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.

The incredible photographs show the three alligators crowding around the man’s head as they look directly at the camera and one even appears to sit on his lap whilst another reptile places a claw on his arm as it swims towards the surface. Photographs taken from above the surface show animal handler, Chris Gillette (29) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA holding an alligator out of the water. The images of Chris were taken by Michael Dornellas at the Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue, Florida USA. Here: Mich­ael Dornellas brings the beast up close and personal to the camera. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)

A Peregrin Falcon is pictured at the Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, Ecuador November 14, 2015. They are used to control fauna to avoid bird strikes during takeoffs and landings. (Photo by Guillermo Granja/Reuters)

Horses from the Garrison Savannah, who are involved in celebrations today to mark 50 years of Independence, are washed in the sea first thing in the morning on December 1, 2016 in Bridgetown, Barbados. Prince Harry is visiting the Caribbean marking the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

A woman sits next to a dog during the fifth edition of the “Mi Mascota” (My Pet) fair in Malaga, southern Spain, November 27, 2016. (Photo by Jon Nazca/Reuters)

Dressed up as Punxsutawney Phil, Marty Nagy, of Hallandale Beach, Fla., gives thumbs up to passers by before the start of the 12th annual Groundhog Day on Hollywood Beach, Tuesday, February 2, 2016, in Hollywood, Fla. The event, which featured breakfast and an ocean plunge, benefited the Hollywood Beach Lifeguard Competition Team. (Photo by Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo)

Camelot, with rider Kris Anderson, wins an exhibition race billed as “The Cameltonian” at the Meadowlands Race Track in East Rutherford, New Jersey June 21, 2014. Run by Hedrick's Promotions in Nickerson, Kansas, this is the third year the race has been run at the track, in tandem with an ostrich race. (Photo by Ray Stubblebine/Reuters)

A Toy Poodle is groomed at the benching area before competition at the 139th Westminster Kennel Club's Dog Show in the Manhattan borough of New York February 16, 2015. (Photo by Mike Segar/Reuters)