Following the fateful impact of American Airlines Flight 11 on the North Tower, the trajectory of the United States and much of the Western world veered into a realm of uncertain conflict both domestically and internationally, famously coined as the War on Terror. This epoch was defined by two significant military endeavors, namely Afghanistan and subsequently Iraq, which gradually drained the resources, stature, and credibility of the Western powers on the global platform, ensnaring both nations in the quagmire of insurgency.

For many, these wars have been an ever-present backdrop, shaping the collective consciousness and leaving a lingering legacy. The ignominious departure from Afghanistan in 2021, underscored by the chaotic scenes at Kabul International Airport, served as a stark reminder of the inherent limitations in America’s nation-building endeavors. While the withdrawal marked a practical conclusion to the broader War on Terror, it beckons an exploration into the cultural ramifications wrought upon the United States.

Enter “Engage & Destroy,” a poignant exploration authored by photographer and artist Jason Koxvold, seeking to unravel the cultural impact of these “forever wars.” Developed over a span of 16 months at Fort Moore in Georgia, the project encapsulates the transformation of male U.S. Army recruits from the nascent stages to the culmination of their basic training cycle. Through a series of portraits, interspersed with visceral depictions of hand-to-hand combat, Koxvold delves into the psyche and physicality of these recruits, offering a raw and disquieting examination of the intersection between hypermasculinity and perpetual warfare within the realm of the military.

The visual narrative is augmented by deconstructed excerpts from the Soldier’s Creed, a creed ingrained in the ethos of every American soldier, serving as a guiding principle throughout their service. This amalgamation of imagery and text coalesces to form a compelling commentary on the profound and enduring effects of war on the human spirit and the broader cultural landscape of the United States.

“Engage & Destroy” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the War on Terror, transcending mere documentation to provoke introspection and dialogue surrounding the toll exacted on individuals and society at large in the pursuit of conflict.