SLINGLOAD OPERATIONS As seen through a night-vision device, U.S. soldiers prepare to hook an M777A2 weapon system to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during slingload operations on Forward Operating Base Lightning in Afghanistan's Paktya province, Sept. 24, 2014. The mission is part of an ongoing retrograde on Forward Operating Base Lightning. The soldiers are assigned to Field Artillery Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.06 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 792979-A-KJM55-184.jpg Photo Gallery