For the run-up to Christmas, the MOD online news team has once again picked out the images that best represent our defence news coverage over the past year.

Ministry of Defense Article

British soldiers training Afghan police have hailed the success of a training course that has seen its biggest intake ever.

Ministry of Defense Article

With Operation New Dawn coming to a close, the Virginia Army National Guard left Iraq in its final convoy, Dec. 2, 2011.

United States Army Article

Sgt. Dontae Skywalker, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), has a unique bond with the San Francisco 49ers football team.

United States Army Article

Paratroopers were on the streets at 5 a.m. to check the route for roadside bombs before Victory Complex transitioned to Iraqi control Friday.

United States Army Article

The Caisson Platoon of 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), recently checked out 14 new horses to ensure they are fit for duty.

United States Army Article

In support of the command's ongoing Pinnacle transformation initiatives, U.S. Army Recruiting Command is implementing Small Unit Recruiting operations across the command.

United States Army Article

Maj. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho became the first woman and the first nurse to command the Army's largest medical organization when she took command of the U.S. Army Medical Command during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Dec. 5, 2011.

United States Army Article

With the Army facing a force downsizing the Army needs to do a better job preparing Soldiers for life after the military, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli told transition officials at Fort Hood, Texas, Dec. 1, 2011.

United States Army Article

The Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen, one of the fiercest rivalries in all of college sports, will rumble on to FedEx Field at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 10, 2011.

United States Army Article