An Afghan child watches as a squad of Marines patrol by the bazaar here May 3, 2012, on their way to the Afghan Uniformed Police precinct. Recently, 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, has been tasked to mentor and provide support to the local Afghan Uniformed Police precinct in northern Marjah. - An Afghan child watches as a squad of Marines patrol by the bazaar here May 3, 2012, on their way to the Afghan Uniformed Police precinct. Recently, 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, has been tasked to mentor and provide support to the local Afghan Uniformed Police precinct in northern Marjah.
Sergeant Timothy Brookshire, a combat engineer serving with Engineers Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, provides security over watch as his Marines construct new fortified walls around the base’s perimeter here May 4, 2012. Combat engineers have torn down some of the fortified walls to shrink the base’s perimeter. The Marines plan to reduce their base’s guard posts in half by the end of their seven-month deployment. Brookshire is a Homer, Ga., native. - Sergeant Timothy Brookshire, a combat engineer serving with Engineers Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, provides security over watch as his Marines construct new fortified walls around the base’s perimeter here May 4, 2012. Combat engineers have torn down some of the fortified walls to shrink the base’s perimeter. The Marines plan to reduce their base’s guard posts in half by the end of their seven-month deployment. Brookshire is a Homer, Ga., native.
Afghan National Army Sgt. Jawad, a range instructor with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, watches an ANA soldier during a live-fire range April 29, 2012. The range is completely Afghan led, with Marines providing only the range and targets.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n:: - Afghan National Army Sgt. Jawad, a range instructor with 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, watches an ANA soldier during a live-fire range April 29, 2012. The range is completely Afghan led, with Marines providing only the range and targets.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n::
Lance Cpl. Daniel Grant, a native of Detroit and rifleman serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, departs Patrol Base Virginia, an Afghan National Civil Order Police position in Kajaki, as his squad begins a foot patrol here, April 14, 2012. Marines formerly operated PB Virginia until the ANCOP officers took full responsibility for maintaining security in the local area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz) - Lance Cpl. Daniel Grant, a native of Detroit and rifleman serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, departs Patrol Base Virginia, an Afghan National Civil Order Police position in Kajaki, as his squad begins a foot patrol here, April 14, 2012. Marines formerly operated PB Virginia until the ANCOP officers took full responsibility for maintaining security in the local area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz)
Corporal Randy Cripe, a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, talks to a local Afghan child while patrolling Feb. 27, 2012. Cripe, currently deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, patrolled, with his squad, to talk to local Afghan leaders and to detain a suspected insurgent. - Corporal Randy Cripe, a squad leader with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, talks to a local Afghan child while patrolling Feb. 27, 2012. Cripe, currently deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, patrolled, with his squad, to talk to local Afghan leaders and to detain a suspected insurgent.
Corporal Ian Ward, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, looks through the scope of his rifle to identify some suspicious people, with Cpl. Manuel Ortiz, a team leader with the platoon, during a patrol Feb. 27, 2012. ::r::::n::Ward, currently deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, mentored his Marines, training them for when he leaves the squad. Ward put junior Marines in leadership billets, giving them valuable experience.::r::::n:: - Corporal Ian Ward, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, looks through the scope of his rifle to identify some suspicious people, with Cpl. Manuel Ortiz, a team leader with the platoon, during a patrol Feb. 27, 2012. ::r::::n::Ward, currently deployed with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, mentored his Marines, training them for when he leaves the squad. Ward put junior Marines in leadership billets, giving them valuable experience.::r::::n::
A 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion bulldozer maneuvers through rubble during the patrol base reduction, Feb. 23. The 3rd CEB reduced the base in half, making it easier to maintain. Fewer Coalition Forces are stationed at the patrol base and the Afghan National Civil Order Police force is capable of taking the lead. - A 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion bulldozer maneuvers through rubble during the patrol base reduction, Feb. 23. The 3rd CEB reduced the base in half, making it easier to maintain. Fewer Coalition Forces are stationed at the patrol base and the Afghan National Civil Order Police force is capable of taking the lead.
Lance Cpl. Edgar Lima (right), a sweeper with 2nd squad, 1st platoon, Lima Company, searches for improvised explosive devices with PFC. Christopher Birdt, a machine gunner, covering him, during an afternoon patrol in Wishtan, Feb. 22. Their patrol talked to as many local people as they could, gathering information about the area and building relationships with the people. Lima, a San Diego native, uses humor to interact and build connections with the children who sometimes surround the Marines. - Lance Cpl. Edgar Lima (right), a sweeper with 2nd squad, 1st platoon, Lima Company, searches for improvised explosive devices with PFC. Christopher Birdt, a machine gunner, covering him, during an afternoon patrol in Wishtan, Feb. 22. Their patrol talked to as many local people as they could, gathering information about the area and building relationships with the people. Lima, a San Diego native, uses humor to interact and build connections with the children who sometimes surround the Marines.