In Afghanistan, American Special Forces Â´s Presence winds down by Diego Ibarra

Portrait of Combined Joint Spec...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMoThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A patch clothed up in an army j...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A patch clothed up in an army jacket inside a room of an American Special Force at a classified commando base in Parwan province. Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A local afghan villager coverin...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A local afghan villager covering his face from the dust spread by an army vehicle during a mission conducted by the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan within Afghan Special forces conducts missions in Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

American Special Forces within ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

American Special Forces within the help of the Afghan Special Forces towing a stricken army vehicle up the road during a patrol at Parwan province. Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan within Afghan Special forces conducts missions in Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A group of young afghans lookin...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A group of young afghans looking at a damaged army vehicle on his way back to the base located some where at Parwan Province. Most of the province is mountainous as part of the Hindu Kush range. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

From the top of the barren ridg...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

From the top of the barren ridgeline, the captain peered through a set of binoculars, watching as his Afghan mentees organized a meeting with the locals. More than ever, the Special Forces are trying to have their Afghan counterparts take the lead. Parwan, Afghanistan.Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A general view of the Combined ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A general view of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-AfghanistanÂ´s base somewhere at Parwan Province during the sun sent. The most elite units are housed at secret bases like this one. Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A special force runs up hills t...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A special force runs up hills to keep himself ready for the next operation somewhere at Parwan Province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 27th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

An American Special force getti...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

An American Special force getting ready himself for a patrol while he is holding an automatic assault rifle at the base located some where in Parwan Province. Special Operations teams are working with Afghan local police forces and Afghan Army to provide security in villages. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

An American Special Force walki...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

An American Special Force walking during the sunset after a long day at a classified commando base some where in Parwan. The effort to sharpen the skills of Afghan Special Forces is focused at this base. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A special force holding weight ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A special force holding weight to build his muscles some where at Parwan Province. High-level fighting forces are known for their exceptional standards of physical fitness. Functional fitness for Special Forces roles requires physical strength and endurance, plus an extraordinary level of psychic ability as well. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 26th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A Special force trains at the g...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A Special force trains at the gym while he is reading a book some where at Parwan Province. America's warrior elite train for psychological resilience, total-body fitness; calm under fire, and better decision making when it counts. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 27th, 2014.Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A Special forceÂ´s tidying up h...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A Special forceÂ´s tidying up his room at the base located some where at the Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A detail of a door marked with ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

A detail of a door marked with the names of the soldiers who have served as Special Forces at the base located some where at Parwan Province. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Special Forces training at the ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Special Forces training at the gym of the base located some where at the Parwan province. Highly trained and seasoned professionals; they are the most versatile Special Operations soldiers in the world. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York Times The US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Special Forces training Afghan ...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Special Forces training Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) during the night outskirts the base located some where at Parwan province. Americans and Afghans work side by side to produce the country's best soldiers. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw troops by the end of the year, the focus has turned to training, advising and assisting the Afghan security forces. Parwan, Afghanistan. Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Portrait of a Special Force thr...y presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Portrait of a Special Force through a night-vision device during a night training outskirts the base located somewhere at Parwan Province. For American commanders, the transition to Afghan leadership on security has been a challenge, requiring a sharp increase in the intensity of training. Parwan, Afghanistan. 2Portrait of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan some where at Parwan province. Parwan, Afghanistan. June 25th, 2014. Diego Ibarra Sánchez / MeMo for The New York TimesThe US government has begun its gradual military drawdown in Afghanistan, bringing to an end combat operations there nearly 13 years after al-Qaeda's strike against the US on 9/11. In June 2011, President Obama announced his plan to begin the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. After that, he revealed his long-awaited plan for Afghanistan on, announcing that a residual force of 9,800 U.S. troops will remain there for one year following the end of combat operations in December 2014. That number will be cut in half at the end of 2015, and reduced at the end of 2016 to a small military presence at the U.S. Embassy.

Diego Ibarra Sanchez

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