Modern Military Operations

Photographs of U.S. soldiers engaged in operations, training, and reconnaissance in contemporary conflict zones.

U.S. Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, pull security during a patrol in Siniyah, Iraq, on Dec. 16.

U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division exit a Stryker armored vehicle during Operation Southern Fist in the Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2012. The Afghan-led operation focused on denying the enemy freedom of movement and connecting area villagers with the Afghan government.

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct a patrol during a training mission near Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Sept. 25, 2007.

060101-A-7359K-062. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mchenry State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division pose for a portrait after a platoon attack on Range 800 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 10, 2022. Range 800 is capable of hosting platoon attacks supported by rockets and machine guns, allowing 1st MARDIV units to conduct this type of training without traveling to another installation.

041115-M-3658J-014. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060313-A-5043I-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ramadi Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 109TH INFANTRY

030303-M-3138H-021. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 5TH MARINES

U.S. Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, pull security during a patrol in Siniyah, Iraq, on Dec. 16.

050614-A-1566H-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Abu Ghraib Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 463 MP CO, 376 BTL/ 49 BRG, MNCI

U.S. Army Sgt. Rommel Soriano, left, and Capt. Chris Halstead provide outer cordon security during a combined clearing operation between Iraqi army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in Baghdad, Iraq, July 27, 2007. Soriano and Halstead are both assigned to 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

041110-M-1085N-004. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Pfc. Shawn Williams of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, gives the thumbs-up to members of his unit as he is evacuated after being injured by a roadside bomb, Friday, June 17, 2011, in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

030224-M-5753Q-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

050910-A-0575B-018. Subject Operation/Series: EDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Airfield State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: CJTF76

A WAR (2015) -Original title: KRIGEN-, directed by TOBIAS LINDHOLM.

Soldiers from the Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, train an Iraqi soldier on close-quarters movement during a week of marksmanship training at an Iraqi military post near Contingency Operating Base, Speicher, Iraq, Aug. 18. The Iraqi soldiers learned basic, close-quarters, advanced marksmanship techniques, and how to enter and clear a room in an urban environment.

Alaskan National Guard Cpl. Gregory Manning provides security for fellow members of Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team while conducting a site survey of the Sanjaray health clinic May 24, 2012 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Kandahar PRT is a joint team of U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy service members and civilians deployed to the Kandahar province of Afghanistan to assist in the effort to rebuild and stabilize the local government and infrastructure.

U.S. Soldiers from 1st Platoon, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment provide security during a patrol in Sa'ada, Iraq, July 7, 2008.

051223-A-5745M-029. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIVISION

U.S. Army Spc. Thaxal Potter (seated right) security force team member for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah, assembles a casualty litter in preparation for medical evacuation training on FOB Farah, Jan. 9. PRT Farah coordinated with C Company, "Northstar Dustoff," 2-211th Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance) pilots and medics in order to provide invaluable hands-on medical evacuation training. PRT Farah's mission is to train, advise and assist Afghan government leaders at the municipal, district and provincial levels in Farah province, Afghanistan. Their civil military team is comprised of members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of State and the Agency for International Development (USAID).

Spc. Justin Davis (left), an infantryman from Walkertown, N.C., and Sgt. Jason Traywick (right), a forward observer from Marshville, N.C., navigate a rusty metal staircase on an abandoned building during a joint patrol in Doura, here, June 10.

030315-M-5150A-039. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

050224-F-8584G-014. Base: Al Iskandariyah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041228-M-0036Y-154. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) prepare to simulate an air assault mission during Exportable Combat Training Capability program at Camp Roberts, California, July 18, 2022. The 29th IBCT must be trained and equipped to deploy within 90 days of a federal call-up.

100916-F-9631D-008 U.S. Army soldiers with the 864th Engineer Battalion, assigned to Combat Outpost Terminator, continue a second day setting up HESCO barriers to establish the perimeter of a strong-point operating position in the Zhari district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Sept. 16, 2010. The combat engineers were given 48 hours to establish a defensive perimeter and six days to fully complete the construction of the new combat outpost.

U.S. Army Maj. Michael Perkins and Iraqi army soldiers seek cover during a fire fight with insurgents during Operation Orange Justice in Buhriz, Iraq, Feb. 10, 2007. The soldiers are all with the Multi-Iraqi Transitional Team, 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.

Soldiers from the 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion Mortar Platoon begin walking out to the firing range. The Idaho Army National Guards Mortar Platoon, HHC, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion sharpen their skills preparing for deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Wood, 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, and Capt. Nick Morgans prepare to load simulated casualties as an HH-60 Pave Hawk lands during a mass casualty scenario near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2010. The scenario was planned as part of Sergeant Wood's qualification to become an element lead.

Coalition forces working on gaining the trust of the local population with talks of informing against the Taliban in a small village in the mountains outside Combat Outpost Sabari, Khowst province, Afghanistan, Nov. 10, 2009.

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Cpl. Bradley Penn, a section leader with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, gives an Afghan national security force member advice about his weapon during a security halt while patrolling villages north of the Buji Bhast pass. Penn is a 22-year-old from San Antonio.

060104-A-7359K-107. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mchenry State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

110329-A-UH396-337 U.S. Army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Focused Targeting Force, board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Khowst province, Afghanistan, on March 29, 2011.

060302-A-5745M-074. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Constitution State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV

040814-M-0706S-006. Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

RAS AL QARAIN, Bahrain (May 11, 2022) - A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) participates in a live fire range during exercise Neon Defender 22 in Bahrain, May 11. Neon Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response.

060225-A-7969G-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Summerall State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: C1-187

U.S. Marines assigned to the Female Engagement Team (FET), Ist Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, post security while visiting a local community in Boldak, Afghanistan, April 5, 2010. The FET engaged in conversation with women of the area in effort to better gain cultural awareness and ascertain family needs in support of efforts of the International Security Assistance Force assigned to the region.

041207-M-0036Y-015. Base: Euphrates River State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030224-M-8539K-013. Base: Camp Matilda Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marine Division

030408-M-4419R-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment conduct a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2007.

041228-M-0036Y-158. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

031018-F-7234P-015. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 82nd Airborne Division

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Iraqi National Police from 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Division and Iraqi army soldiers conduct a search mission for illegal firearms and improvised explosive device caches in Baghdad, Iraq, March 15, 2008.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, drive the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle during a Mine Clearing Line Charge certification training, Bucierz Range, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 12, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

Ariz. Army National Guard Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment conduct air assault and infantry training at Florence Military Reservation, in Florence, Ariz., April 23, 2022. Strengthening Soldiers and enhancing resilience is not a seasonal endeavor but a daily effort and a top priority for the Arizona National Guard

Army soldier holding a rifle, Taji, Iraq

070616-A-5406P-003.JPG -(from left) Sgt. Jake Richardson, of St. Johns, Ariz., 1st Lt. Travis Atwood, of Abilene Texas, and Staff Sgt. Michael Mullahy, of Batavia, Ill. take cover while Mullahy prepares to fire an AT4 rocket launcher at an insurgent position during a firefight in Baghdad's Adhamiyah neighborhood June 16 that ended with one insurgent dead and three captured. All three Soldiers are with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, based in Schweinfurt, Germany.

041213-M-4711R-014. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1FSSG

041104-M-0036Y-025. Base: Camp Korean Village State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Sgt. Shaun Lathrop of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, guides a truck out during a resupply mission at Contingency Operating Base Rabiy in Mosul, Iraq, Feb. 7.

1st Lt. Raymond Gobberg, front, and Staff Sgt. Sean Quigley conduct a canal site survey near Highway 1, Zabul Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27. The canal is scheduled for cleaning and repairs in the next few months.

041002-F-0524H-134. Base: Samarra State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030222-M-5150A-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

Members of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team walk to the next objective during a dismounted patrol to the Department of Public Works facility and a water distribution point in Kandahar province Jan. 28. This was a pre-final inspection to establish a punch-list inspection. The project is set to be complete in two weeks. The Kandahar PRT is a civilian-military organization whose mission is to improve security, governance and infrastructure capacity throughout Kandahar province.

U.S. Marines assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, board a CH-53E Super Stallion during exercise African Lion 22, Tunisia, June 22, 2022. AL22 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 to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

060422-A-5745M-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN

041207-M-2583M-050. Complete Scene Caption: U.S. Marine Corps LT. GEN. John F. Sattler, Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (left), U.S. Army LT. GEN. Thomas F. Metz (center), Commanding General, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and U.S. Marine Corps MAJ. GEN. Richard S. Kramlich (right), Commanding General 1ST Forces Service Support Group, receive a brief at the 4th Civil Affairs Group Civil Military Operations Center, on December 7, 2004. The generals are making a visit to Jolan Park where there will be a humanitarian aid station set up for the citizens of Fallujah, as they are allowed to return to their homes. The city was heavily damaged in a battle between the Multi-National Forces and the insurgents that once ruled the city. (U.S. Marine Corps PHOTO by CPL. Theresa M. Medina) (Released) Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040605-M-4419R-070. Base: India Base (NASIR WAAL SALAAM) State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

In support of MICC Tasker T-22-263-02 ACC Command Video

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait-U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the U.S. Army Central Best Squad Competition present their field kits for an inspection May, 2, 2022 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The Best Squad Competition measures the abilities of squads to perform physical and mental challenges as a cohesive team.

060424-A-7969G-009. Subject Operation/Series: SWIFT SWORD Base: Sukariya State: Salah Ah Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AB DIVISION

030326-M-4544K-032. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: C Co, 4th LAR Bn, 4th Mar Div

Marines with the police mentoring team, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, walk on patrol, May 24. The Marines patrol the local area daily to ensure the safety of the village and nearby combat outpost.

070109-M-7772K-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-2 HQ CO

030408-M-4419R-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

051223-A-5745M-056. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIVISION

030409-M-2195C-021. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) conduct a live fire squad attack range during Exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 7, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

A Marine salutes the memorial stand for Lance Cpl. Cody R. Stanley, a vehicle commander with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, during a memorial service for Stanley at Combat Outpost Caferetta, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 5. Stanley, a native of San Marcos, Texas, was killed while participating in combat operations here Oct. 28. Stanley, who reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in October 2007, was on his second deployment, having already deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Marine and German Coalition soldier walk in a wadi near Kunduz, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Pfc. Samuel Ford, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division walks next to his vehicle in order to clear and document culverts along a highway in the Wardak province, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2010.

050913-A-0527A-016. Base: Fob Lagman Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

040605-M-4419R-068. Base: Nasir Waal Salaam State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The Marines of Military Police Company, Al Taqaddum, Iraq

041115-M-3658J-063. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060424-A-0559K-023. Base: Sadr City State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030827-M-7837W-031. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

CAMP TITIN, Jordan - U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) conduct a safety brief prior to a live fire squad attack range during Exercise Eager Lion 22 at Camp Titin, Jordan, September 7, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

030221-M-5150A-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

060105-A-3283V-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Diwaniyah State: Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030202-M-5753Q-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

050622-A-0363C-085. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Danger State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

050730-A-5447B-033. Subject Operation/Series: SWARMER Base: Samarra State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AA)

U.S. Army Spc. Solis enters a Stryker assault vehicle after completing a clearing mission in Baghdad, Iraq, May 6, 2007. Solis is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean M. Milligan, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing command chief, visits 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Airmen at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 23, 2022. Chief Milligan's immersion visits give him a better understanding of the unique skillsets every Airman brings to the 332d AEW Red Tail team.

U.S. Marines with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion call mortar strikes during night training at a training site outside of Yuma, Ariz., Aug. 13, 2012. The Marines conducted combined arms attacks with air and ground assets to enhance proficiency during a two-week training evolution.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division move to a location with known casualties during an Expeditionary Medical Integration Course (EMIC) on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 25, 2022. This is the third iteration of EMIC which validates the Marines of 1st Battalion, 4th Marines ability to provide a higher level of health service support capability in any operational environment.

030501-F-2034C-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060315-A-7969G-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Seniya State: Salah Ah Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AB DIVISION

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III (right), commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, Col. Jeffrey L. Bannister (center), commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi Brig. Gen. Abdulah (left) discuss troop progress during a field meeting outside Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 11, 2007.

Second Lt. Jared Dudley, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team, leads fellow paratroopers back from a combined operation with Afghan policemen April 8, 2012, in southern Ghazni province, Afghanistan. The early-morning raid was planned and executed with full participation from the Afghans.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Julian Gaitor, Bradley Commander from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, looks for items on a tarp, as Sgt. Dalvin Scurry from 1-16th Cavalry, reads off an inventory checklist during vehicle draw activities on the second day of the Sullivan Cup, at Fort Benning, Ga., April 26, 2022. During day 2, Sullivan Cup crews have an equipment layout, draw vehicles and conduct PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks), to ensure that their vehicles will be ready to perform for the competition.

030226-M-5150A-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

041116-M-0036Y-004. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041110-A-1067B-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fallujah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2-7 CAV

050410-N-6501M-003. Base: Najaf Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030616-M-5266H-009. Base: An Nasariyah State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 40599

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