Afghanistan Combat Outpost, circa 2005

Afghanistan Combat Outpost, circa 2005. . , Combat Outpost (COP): A small, front-line, semi-remote, fortified base housing between a platoon-sized to a company-sized force, or roughly 40 to 200 Soldiers., U.S. Army combat outposts in Afghanistan varied in size depending on the forces available, location, and threat level from the Taliban and other anti-Afghan forces (AAF). COPs were often situated near key landscape features like villages, known enemy travel routes, and locations suitable to support coalition elements through fire support and quick reaction forces., Inside a COP were reinforced living quarters, a command center, guard towers, a casualty collecting point, latrines, burn pit, various defensive positions in case the perimeter was overrun, and enough vehicles for daily operations. Soldiers often lived in austere conditions while carrying out their mission from a COP. Resupply came from air drops or vehicle convoys., Troops situated at a COP interacted with the local populace to build relationships, improve infrastructure, and gain allies, all while monitoring and engaging the enemy. Training and working alongside friendly Afghan forces were also key missions at combat outposts.