Desert Observations and Operations

Vistas of desert landscapes captured during military missions and observation posts, highlighting international peacekeeping efforts and preparations.

Kite Flyers In Kabul,, Afghanistan

U.S. Army Trooper Spc. Nikolas Garcia, an infantryman assigned to the Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Cavalry Regiment, scans the terrain and provide security during a tactical operation center change of location or jump, May 18, at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. Overhead, Soldiers assigned to 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, fly a UH-64 Blackhawk in the vicinity of the ground unit to scout for enemy activity. 3d CR and attached supporting units conducted a training rotation throughout the month to validate their warfighting capabilities.

Empty magazines lay in the dirt after an M4 carbine shooting drill during an Advanced Ready Training - Outside The Wire Training course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Feb. 7, 2024.The ART-OTW course is a pre-deployment requirement to gain experience in specialized tactics and techniques through strenuous training scenarios. Air Force

Iraq, Kirkuk province, Bashir village on 2022-10-19. Report on explosive remnants of war in Iraq, one of the most contaminated countries in the world after forty years of conflict, instability and especially the recent occupation of the country by the Islamic State group, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling and use of mines. This is Handicap International's (Humanity and Inclusion) mine clearance training camp in the village of Bashir where mine clearers practice in real conditions. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. Irak, province de Kirkouk, Bashir village le 2022-10-19. Reportage sur les restes explosifs de guerre en Irak, lun des pays les plus contamines au monde suite a quarante ans de conflits, dinstabilité et surtout par loccupation recente du pays par le groupe Etat islamique, a l'occasion des 25 ans du Traite d'Ottawa, la Convention sur linterdiction des mines

DA-SC-85-13330. Subject Operation/Series: PROLOG '85 Base: Fort Eustis State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members from 56th Troop Command, Charlie Company with the Rhode Island National Guard conducts airborne training and follow-on tactics training at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Starke, Fla. Jan. 20, 2022. The training was completed in order to increase proficiency in tactical techniques.(U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Brittni Capozzi)

060406-A-7969G-002. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AB DIVISION

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060219-A-5745M-068. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MNT 2ND BDE

041222-M-2353F-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM II Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030120-A-4835R-028. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2003 Base: Kohi Sofi Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

The 805th Combat Training Squadrons Shadow Operations Center - Nellis, or ShOC-N, is the U.S. Air Forces premier battle lab supporting the development, advancement, and maturation of key technologies and capabilities designed to compress the kill-chain for joint and coalition warfighters, Apr. 25-27, 2022. In addition to hosting government sponsors and industry partners daily, the ShOC-N is helping to steer and evolve Joint Staff doctrine and guidance for all-domain and cross-domain solutions and capabilities by focusing on defining and developing instrumentation for data, networks, software, and air component-specific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, or C4I, warfighting processes.

An Egyptian ranger battalion stands in formation during a live-fire and troop demonstration for visiting dignitaries during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

Porter working in a desert camp in Agafay, Morocco.

Shadow Wolves Drug Smuggler Trackers

An observer controller/trainer, and opposing forces roleplayers watch as forward observers load into UH-60 Helicopters as they begin a training mission during Western Strike 22, June 9, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, Utah National Guard, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a combat training center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

Straight on shot of a Variable Omni Range, Meteorological Navigational Aids System, utilizing an AN/FRN-44 VOR Site Survey Van with a VHF Omni Range Radio. The site was set up by the 485th Engineering Installation Group, Griffiss, Air Force Base, New York. The purpose of the vans is to help civilian aircraft navigate into Mogadishu Airport. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Mogadishu Airport Country: Somalia (SOM)

DN-SC-89-03207. Base: Nouakchott Country: Mauritania (MRT)

US Marine Helmets, Goggles, and Packs Ready To Go

Commonwealth Joint Air Training Plan, No 23 Air School at Waterkloof, Pretoria, South Africa, January 1943 Training air machine gunners at No 23 Air School. Pupils waiting to take a turn in the power turret rig. The target is a motorized rail buggy which orbited the track at around 40 mph. The Askari native orderlies replenished the ammunition and collected the cases from fired rounds.

Audience watching the air show

A below the horizon aerial view of a US Military encampment in Kuwait, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A830982 SAFEGUARD AREA 25 WALTHERS (Project Engineer) JUN 27 83EG&G/NTS PHOTO LAB Publication Date: 6/27/1983 AREA 25; EDGERTON, GERMESHAUSEN & GRIER; EG&G; MALE; MEN (ADD MALE MODIFIER); MILITARY CLOTHING; MILITARY OFFICERS; MILITARY PERSONNEL; NEVADA; NEVADA TEST SITE; NTS; NUCLEAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY; NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS; PICKUP TRUCKS; SAFEGUARDS; SAFEGUARDS EXERCISE; TEST SITES; TRUCKS; UNIFORMS historical images. 1972 - 2012. Department of Energy. National Nuclear Security Administration. Photographs Related to Nuclear Weapons Testing at the Nevada Test Site.

DF-ST-89-00861. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK Base: Azarq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

Desert Village Scene

030412-M-5607A-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

March 1, 2010 - An aerial view from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a training flight with Afghan National Army Air Corps crew chiefs, over Parwan Province, Afghanistan.

021231-F-9528H-061. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Qatar (QAT)

Coast Guard Personnel and Civilian Operations - 26-HK-72-59. two civilians pushing against vehicle cage2. Hurricane Katrina

Cpl. Richard Mikesell, a squad leader with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, digs in a machine gun position during Exercise Clear, Hold, Build 2 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Sept. 16. The battalions line companies — India, Kilo and Lima — each arrived by helicopters or tracked vehicles to clear enemy activity from the village, establish security and re-build rapport with local nationals. During the Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise here, the Marines of “Americas Battalion” are training to kill enemy fighters by practicing counterinsurgency operations. Next month, theyll deploy to Afghanistans Helmand province to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Mikesell, 23, is from Chubbuck, Idaho.

A Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (VAW-124) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft returns to Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada, following a strike training mission. A detachment from Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), which includes VAW-124, is at Fallon for strike training.. State: Nevada(NV) Country: United States Of America(USA)

Iraq, Kirkuk province, Bashir village on 2022-10-19. Report on explosive remnants of war in Iraq, one of the most contaminated countries in the world after forty years of conflict, instability and especially the recent occupation of the country by the Islamic State group, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling and use of mines. This is Handicap International's (Humanity and Inclusion) mine clearance training camp in the village of Bashir where mine clearers practice in real conditions. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. Irak, province de Kirkouk, Bashir village le 2022-10-19. Reportage sur les restes explosifs de guerre en Irak, lun des pays les plus contamines au monde suite a quarante ans de conflits, dinstabilité et surtout par loccupation recente du pays par le groupe Etat islamique, a l'occasion des 25 ans du Traite d'Ottawa, la Convention sur linterdiction des mines

051213-A-7359K-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Warrior State: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

021016-A-5790R-134. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Marines with Tactical Air Control Party, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), coordinate close air support missions from an observation tower during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A Military Coordination Center vehicle leaves the Military Coordination Center compound. The Center is used by the four nation coalition in direct support of the operation. This operation is a security mission to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone north of the 36 degree parallel from Iraqi air and ground incursion. The four nation coalition of US, Turkey, Great Britain and France has been actively protecting and supplying Kurdish refugees since Desert Storm in 1991.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Zakhu Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) team members set up beach markers for a Marine landing party during Exercise Crisex '81. Subject Operation/Series: CRISEX '81 Base: Garrucha Country: Spain (ESP)

070207-A-9193M-013. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spent Munitions Piled Inside an Old Tank Hulk

International flags, representing several Roving Sands '97 participants fly atop the camouflaged 729th Air Control Squadron command post tent. The assigned United States and foreign military members provide command and control for the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Mcgregor Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Marley Spennacchio-Parker (left), a bulk fuel specialist and Lance Cpl. Ryan V. Salazar, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare an expedient grapeshot charge for a demolition range training during Realistic Urban Training exercise at Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms on June 11, 2022. The 13th MEU is currently conducting RUT exercise to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEUs command, air, ground, and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nations crisis response needs during their upcoming overseas deployment.

070105-A-6553F-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM State: Babil Country: Iraq (IRQ)

011019-F-5114B-134. Complete Scene Caption: A Member of the Australian Army Multi-National Force stand placid while wreaths are laid at the El Alamein Cemetery during the Battle of El Alamein Memorial Ceremony, during Exercise BRIGHT STAR 01/02. The Ceremony commemorated the battle between axis and allied forces for the control of Egypt during WW II. Participants in the Bright Star Exercise took time out to attend the Memorial Ceremony. BRIGHT STAR 01/02 is a multinational exercise involving more than 74,000 troops from 44 countries that enhances regional stability and military-to-military cooperation among our key allies, and our regional partners. It prepares US Central Command to rapidly deploy and employ the forces needed to deter aggressors and, if necessary, fight and win side-by-side with our allies and regional partners. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR EXCERCISE 01/02 Base: El Alamein Country: Egypt (EGY)

Liberty Tactical Assembly Area, Kuwait. American soldiers from 5th Special Forces Group, 45 British commandos and Kuwaiti commandos participate in an airborne jump insertion exercise at a designated drop zone west of the tactical assembly area, Liberty Kuwait. The joint airborne soldiers jumped simultaneously out of four C-130s. Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. and coalition forces run past The Rock at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, April 23, 2022. U.S. and coalition forces participated in a 5K on base in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

The new windows of the MSN-7 mobile control center provides an unhindered view of the airfield at Air Base 201, Niger, Jan. 14, 2024. A mobile control tower can be used in contingency environments to enable aircraft operations in austere environments without permanent infrastructure.

Iraq, Kirkuk province, Bashir village on 2022-10-19. Report on explosive remnants of war in Iraq, one of the most contaminated countries in the world after forty years of conflict, instability and especially the recent occupation of the country by the Islamic State group, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling and use of mines. This is Handicap International's (Humanity and Inclusion) mine clearance training camp in the village of Bashir where mine clearers practice in real conditions. Photograph by Martin Bertrand. Irak, province de Kirkouk, Bashir village le 2022-10-19. Reportage sur les restes explosifs de guerre en Irak, lun des pays les plus contamines au monde suite a quarante ans de conflits, dinstabilité et surtout par loccupation recente du pays par le groupe Etat islamique, a l'occasion des 25 ans du Traite d'Ottawa, la Convention sur linterdiction des mines

US Navy Crewmen from the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) take a camel ride through the desert near Mina Jabal Ali, United Arab Emirates during the ships port visit. GEORGE WASHINGTON and CVW1 are currently conducting operations in the Persian Gulf in support of UN sanctions against Iraq during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 17 December 1997. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Jabal Ali Country: United Arab Emerites (UAE)

A below the horizon, aerial view of a Command Operation Center (COC) and surrounding area at an encampment in Kuwait, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT)

and in oman barbwire danger in the background

Regimental plaques on the mountain side in the Khyber Pass, N.W. Frontier, Pakistan, Asia

DA-ST-86-04606. Country: Unknown

SAM MENDES in JARHEAD (2005), directed by SAM MENDES.

DF-SC-87-01085. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

230405-N-NH267-1058 SUEZ CANAL (April 5, 2023) Lt. Haley Unger scans a laser rangefinder on a bridgewing of the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), April 5, 2023 in the Suez Canal. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

DA-ST-88-04811. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Anti-Gaddafi troops Ras Lanouf

The front half of a pick-up truck was all that remained after 150 pounds of explosives were detonated inside it, Sept. 27, on Eglin Air Force Base's range. The detonation created a crime scene for the FBI's large vehicle post blast school. State and county law enforcement, along with Navy and Air Force explosive ordnance disposal technicians, learned the proper procedures to investigate and maintain a large scale vehicle explosion. The week-long course was the second held on Eglin with 67 students representing 18 different U.S. agencies.

Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field sign located at Camp Wilson on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA July 21, 2022.

An overall view of the US base camp during SHADOW HAWK, the segment of the multiservice Exercise BRIGHT STAR '87 that tests joint Jordan-US operation. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWKBRIGHT STAR Base: Aqaba Country: Jordan (JOR)

Shadow Wolves Drug Smuggler Trackers

040622-M-9382M-008. Base: Nagolan State: Kunar Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

220630-N-AO868-1103 VALLETTA, MALTA (June 30, 2022) Sailors man the rails as USS San Jacinto (CG 56) departs Valletta, Malta June 30, 2022. San Jacinto is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

120229-N-PB383-809SALALAH, Oman (Feb. 29, 2012) Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) navigate the city of Sumhuram archeological site during a Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored tour. New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

030407-M-0175R-033. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Qalat Sikar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Members of the 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, guard a group of Cuban prisoners captured during Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

High security fences separate the Spanish exclave of Melilla, Spain from Morocco, north Africa, January 2015.

Natasha Franceschi, charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Tunisia, poses for a photo with members of a Tunisian sniper team, during African Lion 22 at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area, June 26, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal of strengthening interoperability among participants and setting the theater for strategic access.

031213M-6237R-026. Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

. Work Request Description: Photographic support for Desert Rats 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Charge Code: DESERT RAT IMAGE ACQ XM, 23.44.600000.8100.8117 for UWI 2023.44.XA.600000.0 Desert Rats Project 2023 (XM)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, low crawl through tunnels during the bayonet assault course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 13, 2022. The course consisted of different obstacles that simulated the type of terrain Marines may come across in combat.

030330-M-2176J-118. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Umm Qasr Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030424-M-5150A-037. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Tank BN

STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Stuart Balczon and SSGT Kim McKinney, members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Civil Engineering Squadron (AEW/CES), stake out a location for a dome shelter near the flight line at Manas Airport, Kyrgyzstan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Peter J. Ganci Jr. Air Base State: Chuskaya Oblast Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Russian support personnel work around the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft shortly after it landed with Expedition 60 crew members Nick Hague of NASA and Alexey Ovchinin of Roscosmos, along with visiting astronaut Hazzaa Ali Almansoori of the United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019. Hague and Ovchinin are returning after 203 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 59 and 60 crews onboard the International Space Station. Almansoori logged 8 days in space during his first flight as an astronaut.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, addresses a team of Soldiers and Airmen who have gathered to pick up trash around Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 19, 2022. The event that brought approximately 75 people together, was organized by Army Spc. Yaftahe Williams, with the 453th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, Army Reserve. Hats and t-shirts were sold during the event, in which proceeds will go to other enlisted led base beautification projects.

Educators from Recruiting Stations Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Twin Cities attending the 2024 Educators Workshop receive a rappel tower demonstration at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 22, 2024. Participants of the workshop visit MCRD San Diego to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding about the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Marine Forces Reserve receive a tour of the pyramids for cultural during exercise Bright Star 23 at Giza, Egypt, Sept. 8, 2023. Bright Star 23 is a multilateral U.S. Central Command exercise held with the Arab Republic of Egypt across air, land, and sea domains that promotes and enhances regional security and cooperation, and improves interoperability in irregular warfare against hybrid threat scenarios.

Saudi Arabia, Tabuk Province, Tayma. Historical reenactors at the ancient oasis town. (Editorial Use Only)

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