EXPLOSIVE REHEARSAL

Afghan soldiers climb atop a vehicle to watch the impact of 60 mm high-explosive mortar rounds during a mission rehearsal on Range Juarez, Afghanistan, Aug. 28, 2010. U.S. Marines participated in the rehearsal, which was the first time any of the Afghan soldiers had fired high-explosive rounds. The Marines are mortarmen assigned to the Combined Action Company, of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mark Fayloga

TRAINING CENTER

A U.S. Army infantry team performs security as members exit a room during training on Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind., Aug. 27, 2010. The team is assigned to the 181st Infantry Battalion of the Massachusetts National Guard, which is making its largest deployment since World War II to support reconstruction missions in Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Bruce

SEAHAWK LAUNCH

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Sumlar launches an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter aboard the USS Blue Ridge while at sea in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 29, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cynthia Griggs

ASSAULT VEHICLES

U.S. Navy amphibious assault vehicles prepare to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall at sea in the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 30, 2010. The Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, which is en route to Pakistan to help provide relief to flood-stricken regions. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deploying early to the region to support the ongoing humanitarian aid and disaster-relief operations. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen Grover

IRAQ CHANGES

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, and U.S. Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, walk to a waiting helicopter after arriving on Sather Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2010. Biden is taking part in a change of command ceremony as Odierno is relieved by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III. The ceremony also marks the start of Operation New Dawn, when U.S. forces will move from combat to stability operations. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston

INFORMAL CHAT

President Barack Obama greets members of the military on Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 31, 2010. President Obama visited the post to thank all troops for contributions that led to the official end of combat operations in Iraq. Official White House photo by Pete Souza

PRESIDENTIAL 'BLISS'

President Barack Obama shakes hands with soldiers on Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug, 31, 2010. Obama visited the post to thank troops for contributions that led to the official end of combat operations in Iraq. White House photo by Lawrence Jackson

LEGION ADDRESS

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks at the 92d National Convention of the American Legion in Milwaukee, Aug. 31, 2010. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison