A Malian soldier takes a defensive position while an Air Force Special Operations Command CV-22 Osprey departs a landing zone in Bamako, Mali as part of a drill for Exercise Flintlock. This military exercise is planned and coordinated in collaboration with African and European partner nation military forces to build capacity among Trans-Saharan nations so that they may more effectively address issues which threaten peace, stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo)