Building an Army

• Prize
  Silver in Press/War
• Photographer
  Phillip Walter Wellman , Afghanistan
• Studio
  Stars and Stripes
• Socials

For nearly 20 years, NATO has been trying to help Afghanistan’s security forces become self-sufficient. Emphasis has recently been put on strengthening the country’s air force and commando units. Despite the efforts, Afghan soldiers regularly need foreign backup on the battlefield. Officials say it’s difficult to train troops and build a military that’s simultaneously fighting a war. Violent attacks across the country and a high casualty rate among Afghan forces underscore the precarious security situation. This series focuses on efforts to strengthen Afghan forces amid persistent conflict.

• Biography
  Phillip Walter Wellman is an American journalist and photographer. He is currently based in Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Awards
  2019 Fine Art Photography Awards, 1st Place, Photojournalism 2019 Neutral Density Photography Awards, 2nd Place, People – Other 2019 International Photography Awards, 3rd Place, Editorial/Press – Contemporary Issues 2019 Tokyo International Foto Awards, Silver Winner, Editorial – Conflict 2020 Moscow International Foto Awards, Silver Winner, Editorial – General News 2020 Moscow International Foto Awards, Bronze Winner, People – Life Style