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 model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his Haute Couture Fall Winter 2015/2016 fashion show for French fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a casino in Paris, France, July 7, 2015. (Photo by Stephane Mahe/Reuters)

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)

The internet has been awash with face swaps for years — here’s our contribution to the art of creating nightmares with Photoshop.

The tempestuous stellar nursery called the Carina Nebula, located 7,500 light-years away from Earth in the southern constellation Carina. (Photo by Reuters/NASA)

UK “Ex On The Beach” star Ashley Cain celebrates his birthday with girlfriend and ex “Big Brother” star Chloe Khan at Gallery Nightclub in Maidstone, England, UK on September 25, 2016. (Photo by FameFlynet UK)

Miranda Kerr going back to her hotel during Paris fashion week Paris,France on October 04th 2016. (Photo by KCS Presse/Splash News and Pictures)

Omani Tactical & Commando personnel are seen during the month-long GCC joint security exercise “Arabian Gulf Security 1” in Manama, Bahrain November 1, 2016. “Arabian Gulf Security 1” exercises will continue until mid-November with the participation of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. (Photo by Hamad I. Mohammed/Reuters)