Rian Johnson, left, director of the upcoming film “Knives Out”, takes a picture of cast member Ana de Armas as they are introduced onstage during the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2019, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) at Caesars Palace, Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP 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.

Ludivine Sagna walks the runway and wears a chocolate costume made by designer and a chocolate maker during the Fashion Chocolate show at Salon du Chocolat at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, October 28, 2014. (Photo by LAURENTVU/SIPA Press)

Co-hosts Kat Dennings (L) and Beth Behrs onstage at The 40th Annual People's Choice Awards show at Nokia Theatre LA Live on January 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/WireImage)

Pakistani female police commandos attend a training session in Nowshera, near Peshawar Pakistan, Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Authorities formed a Special Combat Unit after Taliban militants stormed a Peshawar school on Dec. 16, 2014 and massacred 150 children and teachers. (Photo by Mohammad Sajjad/AP Photo)

Best portfolio winner. Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, by Petr Bambousek, Czech Republic. (Photo by Petr Bambousek/2018 Bird Photographer of the Year)

Fiona McGarva holds one of the sculptures from the art installation Gratitude at The Forth Bridge at North Queensferry on September 15, 2021, ahead of going on display just outside of Edinburgh at Newhailes House and Gardens from Friday 17th September. The public art installation pays tribute to NHS staff and all key workers for their ongoing courage and dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump holds news conference on the coronavirus outbreak at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 26, 2020. (Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters)