I have seen some very good photo essays over the years on the internet, but this one has to be amongst the best I have seen.

This is how an American soldier is made.

For 27 months, Ian Fisher, his parents and friends, and the U.S. Army allowed Denver Post reporters and a photographer to watch and chronicle his recruitment, induction, training, deployment, and, finally, his return from combat. A selection of photos from Ian’s journey are posted below.

Ian Fisher : American Soldier