The US Army, the largest branch of the US armed forces, had a challenging year in 2016.

With forces deployed all over the globe and ever-changing political and battlefield dynamics, the US Army depends on disciplined soldiers at all levels to maintain professionalism and to protect Americans and their interests.

Below we picked our favorite pictures among the Army’s 2016 Year in Photos.

 

The US Army consists of a huge variety of specialized commands and forces. Here a Green Beret, the Army’s special forces component, surveys a vast, beautiful landscape.

The US Army consists of a huge variety of specialized commands and forces. Here a Green Beret, the Army's special forces component, surveys a vast, beautiful landscape.

A US Green Beret overlooks a valley while training horse riding techniques.3rd Special Forces Group

See the rest of the photos at Business Insider.