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.

Director Pawel Pawlikowski holds his Oscar for best foreign language film for “Ida”, with presenters Chiwetel Ejiofor (L) and Nicole Kidman during the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

Luna Portnoi emerging Argentine Artist Luna Portnoi has been developing her practice in Buenos Aires for over five years. Her work is deeply connected to themes of color, nature, astronomy, childhood, magic, ancient civilizations, collaboration and the passions, openness and emotions we experience as children that are often left behind in adulthood. Already well known in Buenos Aires, the Artist has also received international press coverage.

MTV “Ex On The Beach” star Jemma Lucy seen leaving San Carlo Restaurant in Manchester, UK on September 3, 2016 heading to Neighbourhood when her friend decided to pull up her dress revealing her knickers. (Photo by XposurePhotos.com)

After model Giulia Salemi attended the Venice Film Festival in a dress that looked like she had forgotten her underwear The Sun adapted a dress and Anita Kaushik 24 from Southfields went out on the London streets to share her experience on September 5, 2016. (Photo by Stewart Williams/The Sun)

A member of Brazilian samba school “Aguia de Ouro” takes part in a parade at Anhembi sambadrome as part of carnival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early 25 February 2017. The Sao Paulo Carnival runs from 24 to 28 february 2017. (Photo by Fernando Bizerra Jr./EPA)

Emily Ratajkowski sun bathes at Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA on March 9, 2017. Emily showed off her stunning figure in a white bikini and large sunhat. She sipped beer as she relaxed with her boyfriend Jeff Magid. (Photo by Splash News and Pictures)

Amanda Lepore attends the “Doll Parts” book launch party at The Standard, Highline on April 18, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by J. Kempin/Getty Images)