Monsoon thunderstorm in Sierra Vista, Arizona. 9 Sept, 2011. (Photo by Steven Maguire)

An anti-government protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask stands with a shield near flames from molotov cocktails thrown at a water cannon by anti-government protesters during riots in Caracas in this April 20, 2014 file photo. (Photo by Jorge Silva/Reuters)

English actress and model Elizabeth Hurley launches Harrods beach and children's wear at the Knightsbridge store in London, England on December 6, 2006. (Photo by Daniel Deme/WENN)

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 motorcycle fitted out to look like a giant telephone in an effort by the GPO to bring home to the public the importance of the phone. The dial on the wheel bears the slogan, “The World at Your Finger Tips”. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 20th June 1932

“Sir Thomas John Woodward, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), (born 7 June 1940), known by his stage name Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer, particularly noted for his powerful voice. Since the mid 1960s, Jones has sung many styles of popular music – pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and sold over 100 million records”. – Wikipedia

Photo: Singer Tom Jones with a small potted plant, 17th February 1965. (Photo by Bob Haswell/Express/Getty Images)

U.S. President elect Barack Obama kisses his wife Michelle as Vice-President elect Joe Biden (right) embraces his wife Jill after Obama gave his victory speech during an election night gathering in Grant Park on November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Two drunk race-goers make their way home after the last race of the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing week June 19, 2003 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)