An Iraqi soldier stands guard as a pipeline burns in the background after an explosion 30 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Tikrit, Iraq, Monday, February 11, 2008. (Photo by Bassem Daham/AP Photo)

In this picture taken on September 24, 2016, relatives grieve their lost one, an alleged drug user/dealer gunned down by unidentified gunmen in Manila. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte defended his threat to kill criminals as “perfect” and vowed no let-up in his war on crime, as the death toll surged past 3,700. (Photo by Noel Celis/AFP Photo)

Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields. Gathered here are images of these dogs and their handlers in Afghanistan and back home, from over the past several years, part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

A North Korean war veteran is decorated with medals as he attends a parade to celebrate the anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement, Sunday, July 27, 2014 in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Koreans gathered at Kim Il Sung Square as part of celebrations for the 61st anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War. (Photo by Wong Maye-E/AP Photo)

Fascist youth, both boys and girls, in the rebel uniforms in Irun after the city had been captured by the rebels. (Photo by Maeers/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 13th November 1936

A model walks the runway at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show at Earls Court on December 2, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

Model Miranda Kerr attends the after party for the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Lavo NYC on November 7, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)

Victoria's Secret angels Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr arrive at the 2011 Victoria's Secret SWIM Collection Pink Carpet Event hosted by VS Angels at Club L on March 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret)