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. wait to perform sling load training aboard 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)

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, poses with Command Sgt. Maj. Ricky Wallace, the battalion’s senior noncommissioned officer, on Contingency Operating Base Adder May 3. Johnson has played chess for 26 years and will participate in this year’s All Army Chess Championship. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.)

Channeling Louis.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Sgt. Paul Sowu, automated logistics specialist assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, sings “What a Wonderful World,” as a tribute to Louis Armstrong during an African American History Month Celebration at the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Center on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 26, 2011. During the ceremony African American service members shared their musical talents, recited the words of great African American poets and remembered the lives of African American heroes

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Capt. Andrew Gardner, commander, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, celebrates with Iraqi children during the re-opening of a water purification and distribution center in al Alam Nahiya, April 3, 2011. U.S Division-North Soldiers provided funding, while Iraqi contractors completed the water station, which provides the children and 4,000 Iraqi families with drinkable water.

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

Air Force Senior Airman Quantel Jones of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group fuels an electric generator for the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014, in support of Operation United Assistance. More than 80 Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

We had a decent contingency of Smithies at the wedding celebration of Jenny Hawins (SC '97) and Kyle Hogrefe. Smithies pictured here include Kim Taylor (SC '97), Cecilia (honorary Smithie!), Martha Norbeck (SC '94), and Ileana Jimenez (SC '97).

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade Staff Sgt. Jamal, a new member of the Combined Security Forces, takes notes during a lecture on the Rule of Law at the Kirkuk Training Center, May 18, 2011. Drawing recruits from the Iraqi Army, Iraq Police and the Kurdish Regional Guard, the CSF focuses on cooperative operations between the agencies to protect Kirkuk province.

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

An Airman from the 621st Contingency Response Squadron Aerial Port team drives a HUMVEE onto a C-130 Hercules during a Joint Readiness Training exercise at Alexandria International Airport, LA. April 16, 2016. JRTC is a multinational exercise focused on pre-deployment and airdrop capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua King)

Over watch

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Sergeant Virgil Gentry, a vehicle gunner with “Guardians,” 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, conducts over watch security on an M240B machine gun while the remaining vehicles conduct a Counter Surface-to-Air Improvised Explosive Device patrol, outside of Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 14, 2011. Gentry, from Copperas Cove, Texas, has conducted security missions in U.S. Division – North since the beginning of Operation New Dawn.

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

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Capps, center, Army Maj. David Troutman, operations officer for the 903rd Contingency Contracting Battalion in Kaiserslautern, and Brandon McAlexander, right, contracting officer's representative, speak with local Afghans about a contracting project to help rebuild the area in Salerno, Afghanistan, June 6. All three are team members of the Salerno Regional Contracting Center. (Photo by U.S. Army)

On point.

CONTINGECY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sgt. Martin Gaymon, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North, instructs Iraqi soldiers of 1st Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, during react to an ambush training at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Contingency Operating Site Marez Jan. 5. Iraqi soldiers learned proper techniques for responding to an enemy ambush with the assistance of U.S. forces. U.S. forces conducted individual and collective infantry training for Soldiers of the 3rd IA Div. as part of Al Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, a four-week training program to build Iraqi Security Forces offensive and defensive capabilities.

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

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Shipp, a power production specialist with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, checks the wiring on an electric generator for the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014, in support of Operation United Assistance. Hester and more than 80 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Army Capt. Charles Greene, commander of the U.S. Army’s 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, discusses cargo movement operations with Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, vice commander of 18th Air Force, during Exercise Gateway Relief at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., on Aug. 7, 2013. The exercise is designed to test the ability of the 689th and the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group ability to stand up and operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening, which receives relief supplies by airlift and stages them for movement over land. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer/Released)

BAGHDAD – Lt. Col. Richard Hansen (third from right), commander of Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, and Sameer Al Haddad (fourth from left), the secretary of receivership for the Government of Iraq, sign paperwork Oct. 10 transferring control of Contingency Operating Site Falcon to the GoI. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Emily Knitter, 1st AAB, 3rd Inf. Div., USD-C)

For full story go to ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-505212

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.

Wishing a safe return.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Major General David Perkins, commander, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, wishes a safe return to Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, during their end-of-tour award ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. Perkins encouraged them to maintain the same discipline and readiness, while redeploying, that kept them safe during their advise, train, and assist mission.

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

Ready to push back.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Policemen assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division, practice techniques for crowd control during a training course at Contingency Operating Site Marez, May 2, 2011. Throughout June, policemen from 3rd FP Div., are scheduled to join several other Iraqi Security Forces agencies during Operation Iron Lion, an ongoing series of exercises demonstrating interagency cooperation and capabilities.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Spc. Lawrence Shipman, a patient administrative specialist from Washington, D.C., and Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Zeke, a combat stress-relief dog from San Antonio, play catch outside the Contingency Operating Site Marez Combat Stress Control clinic, March 8, 2011. Shipman and Zeke, assigned to 85th Medical Combat Stress Control Detachment, were recently inducted into the Order of the Spur for their service providing combat stress relief to the Soldiers of 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn. The 85th Medical Combat Stress Control Soldiers are currently preparing to redeploy back to Fort Hood, Texas, after completing a 12-month overseas tour near Mosul, Iraq.

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

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, gears up for his company’s route clearance mission outside of Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Sept. 8, 2011.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Sergeant Matthew Cogburn, senior information systems noncommissioned officer assigned to Company B, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, prepares a computer to test a Harris 7800W radio at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 21, 2011. Cogburn, a native of Round Rock, Texas, earned the title of “Long Knife Strong” Soldier of the Week for his technical proficiency and his mentorship of fellow Soldiers.

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

Rock star recieves award.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Lt. Col. Monte Rone, executive officer of the 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, expresses thanks on behalf of his 4th AAB Soldiers by presenting rock and roll singer Joan Jett with a “Long Knife” Brigade Certificate of Appreciation following a United Service Organizations concert at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Jan. 10, 2011. Jett, a native of Philadelphia, performed for troops at COS Marez with country artist Kellie Pickler during a two-hour concert and signed autographs for the deployed Soldiers following the show.

(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. 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

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)

Paint as Material Contingency

Exhibition in the Artlab by the Third Year Advanced Painting class (VAS 3310).

October 31 - November 14, 2014

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 6, 2014,

Participating student artists from VAS 3310

Sophie Bisnaire

Danielle Brideau

Michelle Bunton

Tabitha Chan

Christie Constantine

Cayley Cowan

Emilie Currie

Yara El Safi

Corry Faulkner

Angela Ferreira

Jacob Freeman

Brenda Fuhrman

Ella Gonzales

Karissa Hill

Alexandra Kalifer

Sophia Lloyd-Jones

Rowan McCormick

Jasmine Park

Faith Patrick

Andrea Polzer

Robin Scott

Abby Vincent

Daniel Welsh

Carina Wharton

By installing your artwork in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, you agree to have it photographed and release all rights in and consent to the use of this photo for all legal purposes. Would you like to see your work properly captioned? vrlibrary@uwo.ca

© 2014; Department of Visual Arts; Western University

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.)

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 upon approaching grandstand seating parade judging broadcasting station and the end of the parade route at Chinatown Gateway Golden Dragon Overhead Arch Pagoda on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue located at Chinatown Los Angeles, 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.

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‘Black Jack.’CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – The 21st Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh, leads Soldiers of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a “Black Jack” shout-out, during a brief visit at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Sept. 14, 2011. During his third visit to Iraq as the 21st Secretary of the Army, McHugh spent time with U.S. Division – North Soldiers deployed to northern Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, and assured them that they have the Nation’s support as U.S. forces prepare to end operations in Iraq by the end of 2011.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, USD - N PAO)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Capt. Ghassam Hussain, an operations officer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, reviews possible enemy courses of action during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 18, 2011. Lt. Col. Clint McWhorter, primary staff trainer assigned to Task Force Sword, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and a native of Overland Park, Kan., trains staff officers assigned to the 3rd IA Div., helping the officers properly plan operation orders.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Private First Class Tiffany Harris, food service specialist, Company G, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, logs information from an incoming call over the radio at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 22, 2011. Harris, a St. Louis native, proved her competence and knowledge by winning her battalion’s Soldier of the Month board.

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

Gift of Dance.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – From left, Sgt. Shakelia Fears, supply noncommissioned officer in charge, Company A, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force; Spc. Jamie Jones supply clerk, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st STB, 1st AATF; and Spc. Faith Johnson, military intelligence specialist, Company A, 1st STB, 1st AATF; the Freedom Chapel’s Praise Dancers perform during a Women’s History Month Observance at Contingency Operating Site Warrior Iraq, March 26, 2011.

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

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Fleet Adm. Cecil Haney, visited the U.S. Army Pacific Contingency Command Post to get a first-hand look at their operations and capabilities, on Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Nov. 7. CCP Soldiers illustrated some of these aspects to Haney via a mobile operations display at the CCP, consisting of a Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter (DRASH), vehicles, communications equipment and Soldiers, set up as they would be for a forward mission.

(U.S. Army photo by Maj. Edward Hooks, U.S. Army, Pacific Contingency Command Post Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Air Force logistics personnel, assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, load support equipment and rolling stock cargo onto a contracted Boeing 747 airliner at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, July 9, 2018. The South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing is deploying nearly 300 Airmen and approximately a dozen F-16 Block 52 Fighting Falcon fighter jets to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in Southwest Asia in support of an Air Expeditionary Force rotation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Megan Floyd)

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.

An Airman from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group waits to dowload relief supplies from a U.S. Air Force C-17 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)

Teamwork.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Lt. Col. John Cushing, commander, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, discusses the training schedule with staff Col. Mohamed ‘Olwan, commander of 1st Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Dec. 30, 2010. Soldiers assigned to 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., train Iraqi Army soldiers on basic soldiering skills to build an enduring training capability for Iraqi Security Forces in northern Iraq, as part of Al Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, at the newly developed site located at Contingency Operating Site Marez.

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

Dutch Super Puma lands on HMS OCEAN as part of NATO contingency for BALTOPS operations. The PUMA landed to embark personel.

Woman of influence.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. Tonia Walker, senior enlisted leader, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Manhattan, Kan., shares the history of women in the military, from the Women Nurses of the Union Army to today’s modern military women, where women command thousands of Soldiers, during a Women’s History Month Observance at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, March 26, 2011. During the ceremony, women deployed to Contingency Operating Site Warrior in support of Operation New Dawn shared their talents and gifts to commemorate the long road women traveled to reach equality.

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

Air Force Senior Airman Courtnay Hester, a power production specialist with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, sets up an electric generator to feed the Joint Operations Center at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 5, 2014, in support of Operation United Assistance. Hester and more than 80 other Kentucky Air Guardsmen stood up an Intermediate Staging Base at the airport that will funnel humanitarian supplies and equipment into West Africa as part of the international effort to fight Ebola. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)

Soldiers and civilians of U.S. Army Africa's Contingency Command Post take part in a briefing during 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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi Police officers and Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade soldiers stand in formation before instructors combine the groups into integrated platoons to commence training as members of the Combined Security Forces “Golden Lions” at the Kirkuk Training Center, May 18, 2011. Golden Lions instructors collectively train recruits from each of the agencies as part of the collaborative force.

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

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Staff Sergeant Freddy Valdez, an ammunition specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, checks ammunition safety messages at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, July 19, 2011. Valdez, a native of Matamoros, Mexico, issues and inventories ammunition to ensure everyone within the brigade remains current on supplies.

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

Staff Sgt. Kennedy gives and introduction.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Vanessa Kennedy, medical logistics noncommissioned officer, Surgeon section, U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division, introduces Lt. Col. Mary Krueger, noting the inspiration the senior leader has provided to female Soldiers throughout her military career, during a Women's History Month celebration at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, March 18, 2011. The U.S. Division-North and 4th Inf. Div. Surgeon, Krueger hailed Kennedy, a mother of three, as one of many heroines, past and present, who have served their county during the 220-year history of women in the military.

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

Clearing a jam.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Jimmy Hernandez, training instructor assigned to a Mobile Training Team attached to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, assists an Iraqi soldier of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi Army Division on clearing a weapon malfunction as part of unit-tailored training at the Field Engineer Regiment compound, near Tikrit, Iraq, March 19, 2011. U.S. Soldiers also trained the ISR jinood, Arabic for soldiers, on proper intelligence gathering techniques in addition to basic rifle marksmanship and range operations during 10 days of training at an IA base near Tikrit.

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

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.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Maj. Mohammad, executive officer of 1st Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division,, accepts responsibility for Joint Security Station Heider from Lt. Col. Robert Reynolds, commander, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during a transition ceremony April 1, 2011. After seven years of partnered operations with U.S. forces, the Iraqi Army assumed responsibility for the military installation located near the northwestern border to maintain border security for the nation of Iraq.

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

Salute.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Marion Jackson, billeting noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, salutes Gen. Lloyd Austin, commanding general, U.S. Forces-Iraq, before Austin presented her with a U.S. Forces-Iraq coin during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, May 21, 2011. Jackson, a native of Harriman, Tenn., responsible for issuing housing to all military and civilian personnel on COS Warrior, said she felt elated and honored to be recognized by her command group.

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

U.S. Navy Sailors with 3rd Medical Battalion (Med. Bn.), 3rd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), use a bag valve mask to assist a simulated casualty’s breathing at the Medical Skills Training Center, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2020. Sailors with 3rd Med. Bn. participated in an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force training evolution to practice their combat lifesaving skills in an expeditionary environment. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)

Tech. Sgt. Jason Prifogle, squad leader for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, hammers stakes for an Alaskan Shelter 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)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Spc. Shane Darst, an armor crewmember serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, waves at a passing patrol near Contingency Operating Site Warrior, near Kirkuk, Iraq, April 3, 2011.

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