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Photos: Assessing Action In Afghanistan Officials say it's too early to measure the effect of 32,000 extra U.S. troops that arrived this summer. NPR photographer David Gilkey has embedded with troops in Afghanistan several times over the past year, and has a long-term photo essay that gives an intimate view of the U.S.-led fight.

Photography

Photos: Assessing Action In Afghanistan

  • Soldiers from Alpha Company of the 101st Airborne Division walk beneath high mud walls that make up the labyrinth of alleyways and corridors of the village of Sangeray in Zhari district. In less than a week, there were five grenade attacks, injuring more than a half-dozen U.S. forces and Afghan troops. July 2010
    Soldiers from Alpha Company of the 101st Airborne Division walk beneath high mud walls that make up the labyrinth of alleyways and corridors of the village of Sangeray in Zhari district. In less than a week, there were five grenade attacks, injuring more than a half-dozen U.S. forces and Afghan troops. July 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • Pvt. Dan Oswald is treated by medics at a combat outpost aid station after being hit by shrapnel from a hand grenade in Sangeray. He suffered only minor wounds to his leg and face. July 2010
    Pvt. Dan Oswald is treated by medics at a combat outpost aid station after being hit by shrapnel from a hand grenade in Sangeray. He suffered only minor wounds to his leg and face. July 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • Bravo Company soldiers talk with a fieldworker in Pashmul district. Many of the contract fieldworkers are not from the area, which has made it difficult for soldiers to strengthen ties with locals. July 2010
    Bravo Company soldiers talk with a fieldworker in Pashmul district. Many of the contract fieldworkers are not from the area, which has made it difficult for soldiers to strengthen ties with locals. July 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • During a joint patrol with Bravo Company in Pashmul district, an Afghan army soldier crouches behind a rock after hearing gunfire. July 2010
    During a joint patrol with Bravo Company in Pashmul district, an Afghan army soldier crouches behind a rock after hearing gunfire. July 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • Bravo Company's Pvt. Cody Lee Ensley walks through the safety of the gates at an American base after a daylong fierce attack by insurgents near Payendi. July 2010
    Bravo Company's Pvt. Cody Lee Ensley walks through the safety of the gates at an American base after a daylong fierce attack by insurgents near Payendi. July 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • Near the border with Pakistan, an Afghan soldier crosses a river while on patrol in eastern Kunar province. Both the Afghan and American soldiers conduct these daily patrols looking for insurgents crossing into Afghanistan from Pakistan. October 2010
    Near the border with Pakistan, an Afghan soldier crosses a river while on patrol in eastern Kunar province. Both the Afghan and American soldiers conduct these daily patrols looking for insurgents crossing into Afghanistan from Pakistan. October 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • U.S. soldiers on patrol in Kunar province climb the hills and footpaths near the Pakistan border. This volatile border has been a source of constant friction as insurgents pass freely through the mountainous region. October 2010
    U.S. soldiers on patrol in Kunar province climb the hills and footpaths near the Pakistan border. This volatile border has been a source of constant friction as insurgents pass freely through the mountainous region. October 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • An American soldier sits in a bush while on daily patrol in Asmar district of Kunar province. October 2010
    An American soldier sits in a bush while on daily patrol in Asmar district of Kunar province. October 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR
  • Sgt. 1st Class Clifton Robinson (center) stands in the dust and debris from the rotor wash of a Black Hawk helicopter in Kunar province. October 2010
    Sgt. 1st Class Clifton Robinson (center) stands in the dust and debris from the rotor wash of a Black Hawk helicopter in Kunar province. October 2010
    David Gilkey/NPR

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Officials say it's too early to measure the effect of 32,000 extra U.S. troops that arrived this summer. NPR photographer David Gilkey has embedded with troops in Afghanistan several times over the past year, and has a long-term photo essay that gives an intimate view of the U.S.-led fight.