The Walker's contingency, led by Chippin' Ballz and Cum You Will Not, flitter into Beer Check.

Unloading wheelchairs.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – A staff member of the Tikrit Rehabilitation Hospital unloads a pediatric wheelchair for Iraqi families with physically disabled children, March 28, 2011. The non-profit organization, which donated the chairs that facilitated better mobility and quality of life for the children, also donated several wheelchairs in February. "This program tries to do this as often as possible," said Brad Blauser, founder of the non-profit organization that donated the chairs. "For us, it's all about the kids."

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

modification controlled by Los Angeles Department of Transportation - Special Traffic Operations - 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 and an upcoming crossing point intersection for all automotive traffic vehicles and bike crossings atthis crossing point intersection for pedestrian crosswalk crossing only but no automobile crossings at Deering Avenue, all automotive traffic vehicles and bike crossings on Metro Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit Busway Corridor Bus Crossings with No Turns Photo Enforced, No Right Turn but Transit Buses Exempt, Do Not Block Intersections and Left Turn but No U Turn at Canoga Avenue intersection traffic signal red, yellow, green lights, left turn protected red, yellow, green arrow lights and pedestrian crosswalk crossing don't walk orange hand lights, white walking lights located at Canoga Park area in West San Fernando Valley - Los Angeles, California 91303.

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

Airman clears blocked airway.CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Tech. Sgt. Tesha Bailey, a financial management specialist assigned to the Air Force Financial Management Detachment from Ohio and stationed at COS Marez inserts a nasopharyngeal airway into a medical “manikin” to clear an obstructed airway during a tactical field care exercise, July 7. Bailey, a native of Fairborn, Ohio, attended the combat lifesaver refresher course, and was trained by combat medics assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. The 27th BSB, 4th AAB, Soldiers are also responsible for sustaining operations at the battalion’s aid station on COS Marez. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

Killing the pain.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Lieutenant Colonel Randy Rizor, anesthesiologist, 256th Combat Support Hospital, performs a lumbar epidural steroid injection, with fluoroscopy, while Iraqi Air Force Capt. Mahmood Mohammad, a doctor assigned to the Iraqi Air Force Academy, observes at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, July 27, 2011. Every week, a medical care provider from the Iraqi Air Force Academy visits the CSH to observe their American counterparts’ operating procedures.

(U.S. Army photo)

Depicts training, exercise or simulation of contingency support.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRAH, Iraq – 2nd Lt. Jay Twitty of, Springfield, Mo., and a member of the Basrah Iraqi Police Force prepare a bag of food for distribution. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Patrick McElroy, 1st Bn. 12th Cav. Regt., 3AAB, 1st Cav. Div.)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – An Iraqi child receives help opening his shoebox from an Iraqi soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 48th Brigade 4th Iraqi Army Division during a humanitarian event in Tikrit, Iraq, April 7, 2011. Fifty children received clothes, blankets and shoes provided by Civil Affairs section, 4th Infantry Division, and handed out during the event by IA soldiers in an effort to bolster confidence and support for IA units operating in local communities in Tikrit.

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

Teaching an Iraqi child the peace sign.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Staff Sergeant Jayme Turner, serving as a line medic with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teaches an Iraqi child the peace sign during an inspection of a water treatment plant in Al Hillah, Iraq, in 2006. Turner currently serves as the medical operations noncommissioned officer assigned to Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, Division Surgeon Section, 4th Infantry Division, and was awarded the Capt. John R. Teal Leadership Award for his outstanding performance as the medical operations NCO for U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn. Turner tracks and maintains awareness of medical assets utilized for the welfare of Soldiers in northern Iraq.

(U.S. Army photo)

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-17âs 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)

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 WARRIOR, Iraq – Company commanders of the “Thunderhorse”, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, bow their heads while their unit chaplain gives an invocation during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony between the Thunderhorse Battalion and the “Golden Lions,” expanded Combined Security Force, at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. “This transition ceremony, today, where you have a U.S. battalion and a combined battalion of our Iraqi Security Forces arranged side by side is no small feat,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, Thunderhorse commander. “This is indeed a monumental occasion of which everyone here should be proud.”

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

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

Certificate of completion.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, commander of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, presents an Iraqi Police officer a certificate of completion for graduating a four-week Emergency Medical Technician course during a graduation ceremony at Kirkuk Training Center, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2011. Thirty-eight participants from Kirkuk’s Iraqi Police, Emergency Response Unit and fire departments graduated the course after certifying in basic first aid treatment. Holland helped present certificates to the graduates of the EMT course that was supervised by medics of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

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

Members of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion arrive at Libby Airfield after a 9 month deployment supporting communications contingency operations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield in southwest Asia, February 3rd, 2015, Fort Huachuca, AZ.

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, load relief supplies onto trucks for distribution at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria Oct. 5, 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)

Dime and washer drill.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Raheef Majd Jrah, a commando serving with Commando Company, 49th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, practices a “dime and washer drill” learning basic rifle marksmanship about the AK-47 rifle during training near Kirkuk, Iraq Jan. 13, 2011. Jrah completed the drill successfully three times in succession, correctly employing the techniques of fundamental marksmanship. Led and instructed by U.S. Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, Jrah said after the day of training he felt confident in his ability to use the rifle during combat. (U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Alyxandra McChesney, Public Affairs, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div. PAO, USD-N)

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lane, the command sergeant major for the 81st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team, listens as Col. Ronald Kapral, the 81st BCT commander, speaks to Soldiers during a visit Feb. 6 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. About 2,400 Washington National Guardsmen and 900 California National Guardsmen deployed with the 81st BCT based out of Seattle in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in October. They are scheduled to return home this summer.

Neck brace.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq—Sgt. Kwame Hart, right, a combat medic section chief assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, mentors an Iraqi policeman as he places an improvised neck brace on a notional casualty during basic combat lifesaver training, Feb. 12, 2011. Hart, a native of Georgetown, Guyana, and his Soldiers led the medical class for Iraqi policemen assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division, teaching basic and advanced first aid skills at the battalion aid station on Contingency Operating Site Marez. “Black Dragon” Soldiers of 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt., conducted a three-day training class for the Iraqi policemen enhancing Iraqi Security Forces’ medical skills as part of U.S. Division-North’s advise, train and assist mission in support of Operation New Dawn.

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

A C-130H Hercules from Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, taxis to a parking space during Red Flag-Alaska 18-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 13, 2018. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown under simulated air combat conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Curt Beach)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Hoffman, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron crew chief from Kadena Air Force Base, Japan, marshals an MC-130H Combat Talon II during Red Flag-Alaska 18-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2018. RF-A 18-3 serves as an ideal platform for international engagement and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caitlin Russell)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Chavez, an aerial porter with the 146th Contingency Response Flight, 146th Airlift Wing, California National Guard, helps to load a C-17 aircraft assigned to the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with personnel and cargo following exercise Air Defender 2023 (AD23) at Wunstorf Air Base, Wunstorf, Germany, June 27, 2023. Exercise AD 23 integrated U.S. and allied air power to defend shared values while leveraging and strengthening vital partnerships to deter aggression worldwide. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Ulber)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Two Iraqi soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, race to align a 120 mm mortar system at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, March 12, 2011. U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, taught IA soldiers the basic functions of three types of mortar systems and how to properly operate each. Iraqi soldiers conducted a timed exercise to see which crew could put the mortar into operation the fastest. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

‘Long Knife’ prepares to brief.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Colonel Brian Winski, commander of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, answered questions during a live Pentagon Press Brief via remote satellite uplink at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Sept. 1, 2011. During the press conference, Winski discussed the “Long Knife” Brigade’s mission as an advise and assist brigade deployed to northern Iraqi in support of Operation New Dawn. During its yearlong deployment, the 4th AAB advised Iraqi Security Forces, Kurdish security forces and Iraqi Police on combined patrols, assisting at combined checkpoints, and trained the Iraqi Army, police and Federal Police to develop better tactics.

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

Maj. Ryan Adams, airflow operations officer for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, coordinates 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. Adams was working in 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)

Specialist James Hubbard.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq –

Specialist James Hubbard, petroleum supply specialist, Company E, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from Arab, Ala.:

“Staying in battle buddy teams is too easy. Most of the time, your battle buddy is a friend and you want somebody to hang out with anyway.”

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

Cougar Creek Fire, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, WA, 2018

Photo by Kari Greer

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION K1, Iraq – Combat medics of 12th Iraqi Army Division run to a simulated crash site during a mass casualty exercise at Contingency Operating Location K1, March 23, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division led the training to test the effectiveness of the IA medics to triage and care for a large number of casualties in the event of an emergency.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq - Lt. Col. Cameron Cantlon, commander of 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and an Ettrick, Wis. native, discusses the role of United States Forces-Iraq in integrating separate Iraqi Forces together in the office of Brig. Gen. Abdul Kareem, deputy commander of Al-Kut Air Force Base July 14, 2011. ‘Saber’ Squadron will facilitate and coordinate with the Iraqi Air Force in order to provide the optimal operating environment. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Stuart White, 6th Bn., 9th Cav. Regt., 3rd AAB, 1st Cav. Div.)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Sergeant Sean Barnett, imagery and intelligence analyst, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, looks up information on his imagery work station on Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Sept. 6, 2011. As the 1st AATF’s geospatial intelligence analyst, Barnett uses the IWS to process full motion video and imagery as a means to conduct analysis.

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

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)

Sgt. Peter Streb of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade (AAB), 1st Cavalry Division (1st CAV) briefs local Iraqi workers at the start of a June 2011 day on Contingency Operating Station (COS) Garry Owen. The COS transferred to the control of the Iraqi Army later that year when the U.S. military prepared to end its mission in Iraq. Approximately 2,500 contractors continue to support U.S. military operations in Iraq, and about 26,500 in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Rios, 3rd AAB, 1st CAV)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Hayden, an aerial porter from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, directs the movement of cargo outside the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 24, 2014. Hayden 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)

MAJ Francisco Mendoza, contracting team leader, 904th Contingency Contracting Battalion, Fort Knox, KY, briefs OCSJX 2014 trainees on the simulated convoy mission they are preparing to do in the Close Combat Tactical Trainer at Fort Bliss, TX, Jan. 18. OCSJX, ACC’s premier contracting exercise, has been elevated from an ACC-sponsored program to sponsorship by the Joint Chiefs of Staff J4. (Photo by SGT Robert Golden 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Ministry and music.

CONTIGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever played his guitar during a motivational speech at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Feb.1, 2011. Roever told the story of how he received the scars which mark his face and more than 70 percent of his body. He explained to Soldiers, Airmen and civilians in attendance, resilience is the key to not only bouncing back from situations, but also the key to moving past a difficult or challenging situation to become a better person.

(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

One of 14 U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft with the 18th Agressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, shortly after sunrise Jan. 17, 2015, in transit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in Pacific Air Forces exercises. More than 150 maintainers will keep the Agressors in the air during the exercises, which are meant to prepare U.S. Airmen, Sailors and Marines along with coalition partners in the Pacific theater of operations for contingency operations if the need arises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Karen Tomasik/Released)

Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Virginia Beach-based 1940th and 1945th Contingency Contracting Teams participate in a six-day, joint, multi-state, contracting exercise Nov. 15, 2013, at Camp Pendleton, Va. The exercise, Vital Pledge, also includes Air and Army Guard personnel in Maine, Minnesota and South Dakota, as well as civilians from the Defense Logistics Agency. In addition to improving the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s familiarity with contracting systems and equipment, the exercise served to help prepare the four Soldiers of the 1945 CCT for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in early 2014. (Photo by Master Sgt. A.J. Coyne, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)

Scott Kennedy returns to Iraq.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Comedian Scott Kennedy entertains troops and civilian contractors at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, March 5, 2011. Kennedy, on his 42nd comedy tour in Iraq, joined Nate Bargatze and Joe List to support deployed service members during the Armed Forces Entertainment-sponsored Comics Ready to Entertain tour.

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

Modern Row Planters.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Wendy Flatt, the agriculture adviser for Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team, and Maj. Jeffrey DeLay, civil affairs officer, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force Civil Affairs, stands in front of eight-seed planters and a sign made to thank everyone who participated in the project in Kirkuk, Iraq Feb. 8, 2011. The 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div. Civil Affairs section and the Kirkuk PRT used the Commander’s Emergency Response Program to distribute 18 seed planters to farmers in Kirkuk.

(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N)

Lt. Col. Ash Groves, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Maintenance Squadron, speaks to local civil authorities about the capabilities of the 123rd Contingency Response Group under the tail of a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules 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)

121128-A-CW157-133: South Dakota Army National Guard’s Capt. Paula Moore, of Rapid City, member of the 1978th Contingency Contracting Team hugs her friend, Audrey Montileaux, after the activation ceremony for the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Nov. 28, 2012, at Camp Rapid. The Rapid City-based 1978th will plan for and coordinate all contracting functions at a brigade or combat team level. The unit will be responsible for assisting with the development and administration of contracting support plans, policy and appendices in support of operational, contingency and deliberate plans associated within an area of responsibility. (SDNG photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theanne Tangen)(RELEASED)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Sergeant Michael Leal, a prime power specialist assigned to Bravo Company, 249th Engineer Battalion, observes operations of the power plant at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Aug. 9, 2011. Leal was recognized as the Division Special Troops Battalion “Hero of the Week” for his hard work during a power crisis.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Crystal Hudson, 29th MPAD, USD – N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION GARRY OWEN, Iraq – Soldiers from Bulldog Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division search near the city of Amarah for American and British remains on July 21, 2011. The U.S. Soldiers were joined by Iraqi Army personnel and used search dogs and engineer equipment to help with the search. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Griffin Spencer, 3rd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., 3rd AAB, 1st Cav. Div.)

Lt. Col. Krueger speaks at Women's History Month celebration.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Lt. Col. Mary Krueger, Surgeon, U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division, hosts a Women's History Month celebration at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, March 18, 2011. Krueger spoke of military heroines, past and present, who sacrificed time with their Families in service to their country. The celebration, titled “Our History Is Our Strength,” held at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center-North on COB Speicher, celebrated Women's History Month, providing service members with the history of military women, and stories of female Soldiers currently deployed to U.S Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn. "The history of women in the Armed Forces began more than 220 years ago with women who served during the American Revolution and continues through the present day," said Krueger. "It's a great privilege to be what we are."

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Colonel Brian Winski, commander of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks to distinguished guests and fellow Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Sept. 4, 2011. Soldiers assigned to 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., transferred authority to the 4th AAB, 1st Armor Division, from Fort Bliss, Texas.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD – North)

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)

Home-field advantage.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Daniel Graham, a tight end for the Denver Broncos, meets with 4th Infantry Division Soldiers, from Fort Carson, Colo., during the Super Sunday Tour at U.S. Division-North Headquarters, Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 4, 2011. During the tour, Graham and other National Football League players and cheerleaders met with Soldiers throughout Iraq to boost morale and show appreciation for all of the sacrifices Soldiers and their Families make in service to the nation.

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

Paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct a dismounted patrol on Fort Bragg, Sept. 12, 2013. The White Falcons, currently part of the Global Response Force, conducted a two-week intensive training cycle designed to reinforce combat skills for the nation’s airborne assault-capable, contingency unit.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Hull)

General Austin presents coins.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – General Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general of U.S. Forces – Iraq, awards USF-I coins to 14 Soldiers from 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during a visit to Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, July 19, 2011. Austin addressed the Soldiers and thanked them for their support and hard work in support of Operation New Dawn.

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

170821-N-YG104-123 SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, Australia (Aug. 21, 2017) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Spencer Kachele, from San Diego, Calif., assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, observes the horizon during flight operations in an MH-60S Sea Hawk. HSC-25, assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and be a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas/Released)