Here Are The Defense Department's Picks For The Best Images Of 2012

For most every success, failure, or accomplishment, loss or impromptu change of plan, in most every clime and place, there are photos ... and photographers, right there in the grit with the grunts, submerged beneath the water, and exposed to enemy fire.

So, yearly, a handful of talented visual artists, journalists, and professionals, quietly gather to select the top imagery produced in "uniformed" photography.

They call it, MilPhog, and it's an unheralded ritual of the military's top photographic talent.

Combat Operational — 1st Place — “Afghan Soldiers Searching in the Dark” — US Army, Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp

2nd place — “Bazaar QA/QC”, USAF, Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon

3rd place — “1st LAR Marines Patrol Through Sre Kala", US Air Force, Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez,

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