This was a year to remember for the U.S. Military.
After years of combat, some 23,000 troops serving in Afghanistan were pulled out in 2012, with plans to withdraw the rest by 2014.
The U.S. Military also carried out countless of military and rescue operations, and continued to improve its forces through rigorous training.
We found some absolutely stunning photos taken by U.S. Army staff over this year that captured close-ups of military missions, trainings and the life of the American soldier.
Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, lean against a mud wall during a break from combat operations in Spin Boldak district, Afghanistan. From Fort Hood, Texas, the Soldiers have been in Afghanistan since July in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (January 9, 2012 - Photo by Spc. Crystal Davis)
Army Reserve Soldiers render final honors at a Fallen Warrior ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 10, 2012. The command's Soldiers and civilian employees honored seven Army Reserve Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. (January 10, 2012 - Photo by Timothy Hale)
Spc. Gerald Schumacher, of 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, climbs a mountain, Jan. 11, 2012, in Watapur district, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (January 10, 2012 - Photo by Sgt. Trey Harvey)
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