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 visitors to the National Galleries of Scotland view the work “A girl” of sculptor Ron Mueck on August 4, 2006 Edinburgh in Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

In this Saturday, September 5, 2015, photo, three women in costumes look at sea life swimming above them during a private party held at the Georgia Aquarium as part of Dragon Con in Atlanta. The convention draws fans from around the country to take part in sci-fi and fantasy costume contests, a massive parade through downtown Atlanta and educational seminars about science and costume making. (Photo by Ron Harris/AP Photo)

“Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz. ... Winehouse died at the age of 27 on 23 July 2011 at her home in London; police have said that the cause of her death was «as yet unexplained»”. – Wikipedia

Photo: Amy Winehouse vigil outside Amy Winehouse's North London home on July 23, 2011 in London, England. Singer Winehouse, 27, was found dead today. (Photo by Sylvia Linares/Getty Images)

Groom Praem Pam Srichamnan and his bride Suriya Utai jump into a pond during a wedding ceremony ahead of Valentine's Day in Prachin Buri province, east of Bangkok February 13, 2014. Three Thai couples took part in the wedding ceremony arranged by a resort aimed to strengthen the relationships of the couples by doing fun activities. (Photo by Damir Sagolj/Reuters)

An Indonesian muslim woman walks on “sea of sands” as they prepare for Eid Al-Fitr prayer at Parangkusumo beach on July 17, 2015 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Muslims worldwide observe the Eid Al-Fitr prayer to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the new month of blessing Shawwal 1436 Hijriah. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Miesha Tate, UFC women's bantaweight shows the media how to fight during a UFC press conference at Akasaka Garden City on August 26, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

A dog sits with a competitor dressed as Santa Claus before an annual charity Santa fun run in Loughborough, central England December 7, 2014. (Photo by Darren Staples/Reuters)