Oorah! The United States Marine Corps Celebrates 236 Years [Photos]

383987%2007%3A%20U.S.%20Navy%20and%20Marine%20Corps%20personnel%20provide%20port%20security%20following%20the%20October%2012%2C%202000%20terrorist%20bombing%20attack%20on%20USS%20Cole%20%28DDG%2067%29%20in%20Aden%2C%20Yemen%2C%20October%2018%2C%202000.%20Security%20personnel%20established%20checkpoints%20and%20searched%20incoming%20vehicles%20for%20contraband%20and%20explosives%20while%20the%20ship%20was%20prepared%20for%20its%20journey%20back%20to%20the%20United%20States.%20%28Photo%20by%20Lyle%20G.%20Becker%2FU.S.%20Navy%2FNewsmakers%29

399488%2006%3A%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20from%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20waits%20to%20go%20on%20patrol%20inside%20an%20Amphibious%20Assault%20Vehicle%20%28AAV%29%20January%208%2C%202002%20while%20aboard%20the%20USS%20Peleliu.%20The%20USS%20Peleliu%20is%20conducting%20missions%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%28Photo%20by%20Ryan%20M.%20Kitchell%2FU.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

400247%2001%3A%20A%20Marine%20scout%20from%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20provides%20security%20on%20a%20roadside%20December%208%2C%202001%20south%20of%20Kandahar%20city%20in%20Afghanistan.%20Afghan%20villagers%20emerged%20from%20roofless%2C%20windowless%2C%20adobe%20homes%20to%20help%20push%20Marine%20vehicles%20from%20soft%20sand%20during%20the%20unit%26%238217%3Bs%20movement.%20%28Photo%20by%20Joseph%20R.%20Chenelly%2FUSMC%2FGetty%20Images%29

398687%2004%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20of%20the%2026th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28Special%20Operations%20Capable%29%20head%20for%20their%20helicopter%20ride%20to%20the%20war%20zone%20in%20Afghanistan%20December%2012%2C%202001%20aboard%20the%20amphibious%20command%20ship%20the%20USS%20Bataan%20in%20the%20Arabian%20Sea.%20The%20Bataan%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20is%20deployed%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%28Photo%20by%20Johnny%20Bivera%2FU.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

400896%2001%3A%20U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Lance%20Cpl.%20Joseph%20Hancock%20of%20the%2026th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20prepares%20to%20depart%20the%20Kandahar%20International%20Airport%20with%20his%20unit%20January%2023%2C%202002%20after%20serving%20forty-three%20days%20in%20Afghanistan%20%28Photo%20by%20Ted%20Banks%2FU.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

398922%2002%3A%20US%20Marines%20with%20the%2026th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20deployed%20from%20the%20USS%20Bataan%26%238217%3Bs%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20fly%20in%20a%20CH-46E%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%20December%2014%2C%202001%20to%20an%20undisclosed%20location%20with%20field%20gear%20and%20weapons.%20The%20Bataan%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20is%20operating%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%28Photo%20by%20Johnny%20Bivera%2FGetty%20Images%29

383987%2006%3A%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20from%20the%2013th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20mans%20a%2050%20Caliber%20machine%20gun%20October%2013%2C%202000%20at%20a%20security%20post%20near%20the%20port%20of%20Aden%2C%20Yemen.%20Security%20personnel%20established%20checkpoints%20and%20searched%20incoming%20vehicles%20for%20contraband%20and%20explosives%20following%20the%20October%2012%2C%202000%20terrorist%20bombing%20attack%20on%20USS%20Cole.%20%28Photo%20by%20U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%2FBranden%20P.%20O%26%238221%3BBrien%2FNewsmakers%29.

397553%2003%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20walk%20through%20green%20smoke%20for%20a%20Military%20Operations%20in%20an%20Urban%20Terrain%20%28MOUT%29%20medical%20training%20exercise%20to%20occupy%20buildings%20for%20massive%20mock%20casualties%20November%2020%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA.%20The%20Marines%2C%20which%20included%20140%20Hospital%20Corpsman%20and%20Dental%20Technicians%2C%20were%20required%20to%20establish%20a%20medical%20facility%20in%20one%20of%20the%20occupied%20buildings%20and%20perform%20Echelon%201-sustainment%20care%20of%20their%20%26%238221%3Bwounded%26%238221%3B%20fellow%20Marines.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

397426%2001%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20rehearse%20tactically%20exiting%20helicopters%20and%20forming%20a%20security%20perimeter%20October%2023%2C%202001%20while%20aboard%20the%20USS%20Peleliu%20in%20the%20Arabian%20Sea.%20The%20USS%20Peleliu%20and%20other%20ships%20are%20in%20the%20area%20conducting%20missions%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%28Photo%20by%20Joseph%20R.%20Chenelly%2FUSMC%2FGetty%20Images%29

395007%2002%3A%20Staff%20sergeant%20Samuel%20Dunn%20%28L%29%20and%20Corporal%20Carlos%20Constanzo%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20demonstrate%20tactics%20in%20%26%238220%3Bclearing%20a%20room%26%238221%3B%20during%20urban%20warfare%20training%2C%20September%2026%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

FILE%20PHOTO%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20deploy%20concertina%20wire%20to%20prevent%20infiltration%20of%20their%20encampment%20during%20Operation%20Desert%20Shield.%20%28photo%20by%20DOD%29

398922%2001%3A%20US%20Marines%20with%20the%2026th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20deployed%20from%20the%20USS%20Bataan%26%238217%3Bs%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20arrive%20December%2014%2C%202001%20at%20an%20undisclosed%20location%20with%20field%20gear%20and%20weapons.%20The%20Bataan%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20is%20operating%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%28Photo%20by%20Johnny%20Bivera%2FGetty%20Images%29

395007%2004%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20undergo%20urban%20warfare%20training%2C%20September%2026%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395007%2001%3A%20Staff%20sergeant%20Samuel%20Dunn%20%28L%29%20and%20Corporal%20Carlos%20Constanzo%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20demonstrate%20tactics%20in%20%26%238220%3Bclearing%20a%20room%26%238221%3B%20during%20urban%20warfare%20training%2C%20September%2026%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

399412%2003%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20of%20the%2026th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28Special%20Operations%20Capable%29%20and%20Task%20Force%2058%20walk%20to%20their%20helicopters%20as%20they%20deploy%20to%20conduct%20operations%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom%20January%205%2C%202002%20in%20Kandahar%2C%20Afghanistan.%20%28Photo%20by%20Johnny%20Bivera%2FU.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

395297%2008%3A%20Members%20of%20G%20Company%2C%202ed%20Battalion%2C%20Fourth%20Marine%20Division%20set%20up%20a%2060mm%20motar%20after%20charging%20from%20an%20Amphibious%20Assault%20Vehicle%20%28AAV%29%20during%20combat%20readiness%20training%20October%203%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA.%20AAV%26%238217%3Bs%20transport%20troops%20over%20land%20or%20water.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395007%2006%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20undergo%20urban%20warfare%20training%2C%20September%2026%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2007%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20descend%20from%20an%20HC-46%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%20by%20%26%238220%3Bfast%20roping%26%238221%3B%20during%20training%20exercises%20September%2024%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20Fast%20roping%20is%20a%20rappel-like%20method%20of%20rapidly%20deploying%20Marines%20from%20helicopters%20onto%20land%20or%20rooftops.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395007%2003%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20practice%20crossing%20a%20%26%238220%3Bdangerous%20area%26%238221%3B%20during%20urban%20warfare%20training%2C%20September%2026%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2008%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20parachute%20from%20a%20HC-46%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%20during%20combat%20readiness%20training%2C%20September%2025%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395297%2013%3A%20Private%20First%20Class%20William%20Draughon%20of%20G%20Company%2C%202ed%20Battalion%2C%20Fourth%20Marine%20Division%20takes%20a%20break%20to%20eat%20during%20combat%20readiness%20training%20October%203%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2006%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20descend%20from%20an%20HC-46%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%20by%20%26%238220%3Bfast%20roping%26%238221%3B%20during%20training%20exercises%20September%2024%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20Fast%20roping%20is%20a%20rappel-like%20method%20of%20rapidly%20deploying%20Marines%20from%20helicopters%20onto%20land%20or%20rooftops.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2008%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20practice%20hand-to-hand%20combat%20techniques%20during%20training%20exercises%20September%2024%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2009%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20run%20in%20formation%20during%20training%20exercises%20September%2024%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20CA%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2009%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20walk%20through%20a%20dust%20cloud%20September%2025%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20The%20soldiers%20will%20board%20an%20HC-46%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%2C%20in%20order%20to%20practice%20parachuting%20for%20combat%20readiness%20training.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394884%2010%3A%20Soldiers%20of%20the%20First%20Marine%20Division%20walk%20through%20a%20dust%20cloud%20September%2025%2C%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California%2C%20north%20of%20San%20Diego.%20The%20soldiers%20will%20board%20an%20HC-46%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopter%2C%20in%20the%20background%2C%20in%20order%20to%20practice%20parachuting%20for%20combat%20readiness%20training.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2006%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20stand%20ready%20for%20a%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2013%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20make%20a%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20The%20American%20Marines%20were%20also%20joined%20by%20British%20Royal%20Marines%20on%20the%20mission.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2011%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20make%20a%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2014%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20make%20a%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20The%20American%20Marines%20were%20also%20joined%20by%20British%20Royal%20Marines%20on%20the%20mission.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

394505%2004%3A%20U.S.%20Marines%20Take%20Up%20Position%20Around%20Critical%20Areas%20Of%20The%20Rota%20Naval%20Station%20In%20Spain%20September%2014%2C%202001%20In%20An%20Effort%20To%20Increase%20Its%20Force%20Protection%20Posture%20Following%20Terrorist%20Attacks%20In%20New%20York%20City%20And%20Washington%2C%20D.C.%20%20%28Photo%20By%20U.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Corporal%20Travis%20Neumayer%20Watches%20The%20Perimeter%20At%20The%20Gate%20Of%20Camp%20Hope%2C%20Albania%20June%204%2C%201999%2C%20As%20Replacement%20U.S.%20Air%20Force%20Security%20Personnel%20Enter%20The%20Camp.%20Neumayer%20Was%20Standing%20The%20Last%20Amphibious%20Readiness%20Group%20Watch%20At%20The%20Camp%20Before%20The%20Marines%20Were%20To%20Be%20Relieved%20By%20U.S.%20Air%20Force%20Security%20Forces.%20%20%28Photo%20By%20U.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2007%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20wears%20night%20vision%20equipment%20for%20a%20nightime%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

U.S.%20Marines%20Search%20The%20Tree%20Line%20For%20Trails%20Left%20By%20Intruders%20During%20A%20Jungle%20Patrol%20On%20Fort%20Howard%2C%20Panama%2C%20On%20June%2011%2C%201999.%20The%20Marines%20Are%20Providing%20Security%20During%20The%20Turn%20Over%20Of%20The%20Panama%20Canal%20And%20U.S.%20Bases%20To%20The%20Panamanian%20Government%20Which%20Will%20Be%20Completed%20December%2031%2C%201999.%20%20%28Photo%20By%20Getty%20Images%29

U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Corporal%20Travis%20Neumayer%20Makes%20A%20Log%20Entry%20As%20A%20Contractor%20Vehicle%20Leaves%20The%20Gate%20Of%20Camp%20Hope%2C%20Albania%20June%204%2C%201999.%20Neumayer%20Was%20Standing%20The%20Last%20Amphibious%20Readiness%20Group%20Watch%20At%20The%20Camp%20Before%20The%20Marines%20Are%20To%20Be%20Relieved%20By%20U.S.%20Air%20Force%20Security%20Forces.%20%20%28Photo%20By%20U.S.%20Navy%2FGetty%20Images%29

DHAHRAN%2C%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%3A%20%20Over%201%2C000%20US%20Marines%20from%20Fort%20Bragg%20disembark%2021%20August%201990%20from%20a%20Galaxy%20transport%20plane%20at%20Saudi%20Dhahran%20air%20base.%20Iraq%26%238217%3Bs%20invasion%20of%20Kuwait%2002%20August%201990%2C%20ostensibly%20over%20violations%20of%20the%20Iraqi%20border%2C%20led%20to%20the%20Gulf%20War%20which%20began%2016%20January%201991.%20A%20US-led%20multi-national%20force%20repulsed%20Iraq%20from%20Kuwait%20during%20the%20%26%238220%3BDesert%20Storm%26%238221%3B%20offensive%20and%20a%20cease-fire%20was%20signed%2028%20February%201991.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20GERARD%20FOUET%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

GUANTANAMO%2C%20CUBA%3A%20%20Picture%20taken%2024%20October%201990%20of%20US%20Marine%20private%20first%20class%20Alex%20Escoto%20looking%20through%20binoculars%20knows%20as%20%26%238220%3Bbig%20eyes%26%238221%3B%20from%20the%20north-east%20gate%20of%20the%20US%20Navy%20base%20at%20Guantanamo%20Bay%2C%20Cuba.%20US%20forces%20will%20soon%20begin%20to%20transfer%20detained%20al-Qaeda%20and%20Taliban%20fighters%20from%20Afghanistan%20to%20the%20US%20Navy%20base%20at%20Guantanamo%20Bay%2C%20where%20a%20maximum%20security%20facility%20is%20being%20built%20to%20hold%20up%20to%202%2C000%20prisoners%2C%20the%20Pentagon%20said%2008%20January%202002.%20US%20President%20Theodore%20Roosevelt%20signed%20an%20agreement%20with%20Cuba%2023%20February%201903%20to%20lease%20the%20military%20post%20at%20Guantanamo%20Bay.%20Washington%20agreed%20to%20pay%20Cuba%202%2C000%20gold%20coins%20per%20year%20for%20the%20base%2C%20a%20sum%20now%20valued%20at%204%2C085%20dollars.%20The%20Cuban%20however%20have%20refused%20to%20cash%20the%20checks%20from%20the%20US.%20The%20base%20provides%20logistical%20support%20for%20US%20ships%20and%20aircraft%20that%20conducts%20counter-narcotics%20operations%20in%20the%20Caribbean.%20Between%201994%20and%201996%2C%20the%20Guantanamo%20Bay%20post%20harbored%20nearly%2050%2C000%20Cubans%20and%20Haitians%20refugees%20who%20had%20been%20trying%20to%20reach%20the%20United%20States.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20LUKE%20FRAZZA%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20LUKE%20FRAZZA%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20group%20of%20U.S.%20marines%20takes%20a%20break%20in%20the%20sun%20after%20unloading%20their%20equipment%20at%20Mogadishu%20airport%2011%20December%201992%20to%20take%20part%20in%20%26%238220%3BOperation%20%20Restore%20Hope%20%26%238220%3B.%20The%20soldiers%20are%20part%20of%20a%20contingent%20of%201%2C800%20Marines%20and%20nearly%20200%20French%20troops%20participating%20in%20the%20operation.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ERIC%20FEFERBERG%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

QATRANEH%2C%20JORDAN%3A%20%20Two%20US%20Marines%20stand%20on%20guard%20at%20the%20entrance%20of%20their%20camp%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20the%20Jordanian%20desert%20at%20Qatraneh%20some%2050%20miles%20south%20of%20Amman%2018%20August.%204%2C300%20US%20soldiers%20including%20the%2011th%20Marines%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20and%20four%20warships%20are%20participating%20in%20the%20joint%20military%20maneuvers%20with%20Jordan%20that%20started%20today.%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20RABIH%20MOGHRABI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

395414%2017%3A%20A%20British%20Royal%20Marine%20joins%20U.S.%20Marines%20in%20a%20high-altitude%20mountain%20assault%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20during%20mountain%20warfare%20training%20of%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20NC%2C%20October%205%2C%202001%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20near%20Bridgeport%2C%20CA.%20The%20American%20Marines%20were%20also%20joined%20by%20British%20Royal%20Marines%20on%20the%20mission.%20%28Photo%20by%20David%20McNew%2FGetty%20Images%29

DHAHRAN%2C%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%3A%20%20Over%201%2C000%20US%20Marines%20from%20Fort%20Bragg%2C%20South%20Carolina%2C%20disembark%2021%20August%201990%20from%20a%20Boeing%20747%20transport%20plane%20at%20Saudi%20Dhahran%20air%20base.%20Iraq%26%238217%3Bs%20invasion%20of%20Kuwait%2002%20August%201990%2C%20ostensibly%20over%20violations%20of%20the%20Iraqi%20border%2C%20led%20to%20the%20Gulf%20War%20which%20began%2016%20January%201991.%20A%20US-led%20multi-national%20force%20repulsed%20Iraq%20from%20Kuwait%20during%20the%20%26%238220%3BDesert%20Storm%26%238221%3B%20offensive%20and%20a%20cease-fire%20was%20signed%2028%20February%201991.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20GERARD%20FOUET%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20keeps%20an%20eye%20out%2014%20April%201993%20from%20his%20position%20on%20an%20armored%20personnel%20carrier%20at%20a%20check-point%20in%20Mogadishu.%20On%20Tuesday%2C%20Australian%20troops%20shot%20and%20killed%20a%20Somali%20who%20pointed%20a%20gun%20at%20them%20near%20Baidoa%2C%20200%20km%20%28125%20miles%29%20northwest%20of%20here.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ERIC%20CABANIS%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

SUBIC%20NAVAL%20BASE%2C%20PHILIPPINES%3A%20%20A%20member%20of%20a%20six-man%20U.S.%20Marines%26%238217%3B%20patrol%20team%20drinks%20from%20his%20canteen%20during%20their%20last%20three-days%20of%20patrol%20duty%20around%20the%20tropical%20forest%20reserve%20area%20of%20the%20U.S.%20Subic%20Naval%20Base%2011%20November%2C%201992.%20In%20two%20weeks%20the%20U.S.%20turns%20over%20the%20military%20facility%20to%20the%20Philippine%20government%2C%20ending%20nearly%20a%20century%20of%20U.S.%20presence.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ROMEO%20GACAD%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20runs%20for%20cover%2C%20trying%20to%20find%20a%20Somali%20sniper%20who%20was%20shooting%20at%20them%2017%20March%2C%201993%20at%20a%20check%20point%20in%20Mogadishu%20just%20after%20one%20Marine%20got%20shot%20by%20Somali%20gun%20men.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ALEXANDER%20JOE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20stands%20on%20a%20truck%20as%20they%20drive%20through%20the%20%26%238220%3BGreen%20Line%26%238221%3B%20dividing%20north%20and%20south%20Mogadishu%20in%20Somalia%2012%20December%201992%20in%20the%20first%20food%20distribution%20convoy%20secured%20by%20U.S.%20troops.%20%20The%20U.S.%20is%20sending%20some%2030%2C000%20troops%20to%20protect%20the%20food%20convoys.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MICHEL%20GANGNE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20U.S.%20Marines%20raid%20a%20house%20during%20a%20weapons-search%20mission%20near%20former%20headquarters%20of%20General%20Mohamed%20Farah%20Aidid%20in%20the%20Sinay%20district%20of%20Mogadishu%2C%20Somalia%2C%2013%20January%2C%201993.%20An%20armed%20Somali%20gunman%20was%20reportedly%20shot%20to%20death%20in%20the%20building%20a%20few%20minutes%20later.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MANOOCHER%20DEGHATI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20of%20the%20Special%20Command%20Forces%20advances%20in%20the%20bush%20a%20few%20hundred%20yards%20inland%20after%20he%20set%20foot%20on%20the%20beach%20overlooking%20Mogadishu%26%238217%3Bs%20airport%20early%2009%20December%201992%20at%20the%20start%20of%20the%20U.S.-led%20military%20and%20humanitarian%20landing%20in%20Somalia.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ERIC%20FEFERBERG%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CAMP%20PENDLETON%2C%20UNITED%20STATES%3A%20%20A%20detachment%20of%20US%20Marines%20from%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%204th%20Marine%20Regiment%2C%201st%20Marine%20Division%20prepare%20to%20enter%20the%20gas%20chamber%20during%20NBC%20%28Nuclear%2C%20Biological%20and%20Chemical%29%20warfare%20training%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%20near%20Oceanside%2C%20California%2C%2002%20October%2C%202001.%20%20Marines%20spent%205%20minutes%20in%20a%20gas%20chamber%20exposed%20to%20CS%20gas%20and%20removed%20their%20masked%20for%2010%20seconds%20during%20the%20exercise.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%20%20Mike%20NELSON%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MIKE%20NELSON%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

SIERRA%20NEVADA%20MOUNTAINS%2C%20UNITED%20STATES%3A%20%20U.S.%20Marines%20from%20the%201st%20Battalion%2C%206th%20Marine%20Regiment%20out%20of%20Camp%20Lejeune%2C%20North%20Carolina%2C%20train%20at%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20Mountain%20Warfare%20Training%20Center%20at%20an%20altitude%20of%209%2C000%20feet%20%282743%20meters%29%20high%20in%20the%20Sierra%20Nevada%20Mountains%20in%20California%2005%20October%2C%202001.%20%20The%20regiment%20of%20Marines%20commenced%20a%20night%20attack%20exercise%20at%20sunset%20with%20a%20group%20of%20British%20Royal%20Marines.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%20%20Mike%20NELSON%2Fmn%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MIKE%20NELSON%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20looks%20at%20a%20Somali%20child%20eating%20a%20bowl%20of%20rice%20as%20others%20look%20on%20during%20the%20first%20food%20distribution%20carried%20out%20by%20U.S.%20troops%20in%20the%20Old%20City%20of%20Mogadishu%2012%20December%201992.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MICHEL%20GANGNE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20detachment%20of%20U.S.%20Marines%20boards%20a%20civilian%20airliner%2019%20January%201993%20prior%20to%20returning%20to%20its%20base%20in%20California.%20The%20237%20Marines%20are%20members%20of%20the%20first%20unit%20to%20leave%20Somalia%20since%20the%20beginning%20of%20Operation%20Restore%20Hope.%20An%20Army%20spokesperson%20said%20the%20U.S.%20Marines%20would%20be%20replaced%20by%20Australian%20soldiers.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20JOEL%20ROBINE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%3A%20%20A%20US%20Marine%20carries%2025%20March%201994%20part%20of%20a%20heavy%20machine-gun%20on%20his%20shoulders%20as%20he%20walks%20to%20the%20helicopter%20that%20will%20take%20him%20to%20a%20warship%20offshore.%20%20The%20last%20contingent%20of%20US%20troops%20is%20leaving%20Somalia%2C%2015%20months%20after%20the%20US%20intervened%20to%20attempt%20to%20aid%20the%20widespread%20famine%20in%20Somalia.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20PASCAL%20GUYOT%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MOGADISHU%2C%20SOMALIA%20%26%238211%3B%20FEBRUARY%2027%3A%20%20An%20advance%20team%20of%20100%20U.S.%20Marines%20patrol%20the%20airport%20in%20Mogadishu%20shortly%20after%20their%20arrival%20on%20shore%2027%20February.%20Operation%20United%20Shield%2C%20which%20is%20due%20to%20extract%20the%20rear%20guard%20of%20U.N.%20troops%20from%20Somalia%20is%20set%20to%20begin%20this%20week.%20Rival%20factions%20are%20reportedly%20likely%20to%20battle%20one%20another%20for%20control%20of%20the%20airport%20once%20U.N.%20forces%20abandon%20their%20two%20year%20mission%20to%20Somalia.%20%20%28COLOR%20KEY%3A%20Sky%20is%20blue.%29%20%20%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20POOL%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

UDAIRI%20RANGE%2C%20KUWAIT%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%208%3A%20%20US%20Marines%20from%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20walk%20through%20the%20desert%20during%20military%20exercises%20codenamed%20%26%238220%3BEager%20Mace%26%238221%3B%20at%20the%20Udairi%20Range%20in%20the%20Kuwaiti%20desert%2C%2050%20kilometres%20south%20of%20Iraq%2008%20April%202000.%20US%20marines%20launched%20a%20mock%20assault%20during%20these%20joint%20Kuwaiti-US%20war%20games%20that%20run%20until%2025%20April%20and%20involve%20some%201400%20American%20sailors%20and%20marines.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20RAED%20QUTENA%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CAMP%20PENDLETON%2C%20CA%20%26%238211%3B%20SEPTEMBER%2026%3A%20%20An%20unidentified%20United%20States%20Marine%20sits%20with%20his%20gun%20during%20urban%20war%20drill%20training%20exercises%2026%20September%202001%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20drill%20included%20exercises%20like%20building%20searches%20and%20combat%20readiness.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20FREDERICK%20M.%20BROWN%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CAMP%20PENDLETON%2C%20CA%20%26%238211%3B%20OCTOBER%2015%3A%20%20Lt%20Cpl.%20Matthew%20Blau%20%28L%29%20operates%20the%207.62mm%20machine%20gun%20on%20top%20of%20a%20Fast%20Attack%20Vehicle%20as%20Lt%20Cpl.%20Matthew%20Peterson%20%28R%29%20monitors%20the%20radio%20during%20a%2013th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20assault%20at%20Red%20Beach%20in%20Camp%20Pendleton%20near%20Oceanside%2C%20CA%2C%2015%20October%202001.%20This%20normally%20scheduled%20exercise%20marks%20the%20culmination%20of%20a%20two-week%20at-sea%20exercise%20for%20the%2013th%20MEU%20in%20preparation%20for%20an%20upcoming%20six-month%20deployment%20to%20the%20Western%20Pacific%20and%20Arabian%20Gulf%20regions.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ANDREW%20SILK%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CAMP%20GEIGER%2C%20NC%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%201%3A%20%20US%20Marines%20from%20the%20newly%20activated%204th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Force%20take%20a%20break%20during%20an%20obstacle%20course%20exercise%20wearing%20protective%20chemical%2C%20biological%20gear%2001%20November%202001%20at%20Camp%20Geiger%2C%20NC.%20In%20a%20bid%20to%20strengthen%20the%201972%20Biological%20Weapons%20Convention%2C%20the%20United%20States%20proposed%2001%20November%202001%20that%20its%20143%20signatories%20pass%20laws%20making%20the%20possession%20of%20biological%20weapons%20for%20terrorist%20attacks%20a%20crime.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20JOHN%20ALTHOUSE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CAMP%20DAVIS%2C%20NC%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%208%3A%20%20A%20US%20Marine%20from%204th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Brigade%20stands%20out%20on%20the%20skid%20of%20a%20UH-1%20Heuy%20helicopter%20as%20he%20gets%20the%20clear%20signal%20to%20begin%20his%20rappel%20during%20training%2008%20November%202001%20at%20Camp%20Davis%2C%20NC.%20The%204thMEB%20specialize%20in%20counter-terrorism.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20JOHN%20ALTHOUSE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CHU%20LAI%2C%20VIET%20NAM%20%26%238211%3B%20JULY%2018%3A%20%20US%20Secretary%20of%20Defense%20Robert%20McNamara%20sits%20in%20US%20Army%20%26%238220%3BHuey%26%238221%3B%20helicopter%20during%20his%20one-day%20visit%20to%20the%20US%20Marine%20airfield%20at%20Chu%20Lia%2C%20South%20Vietnam%2C%2018%20July%201965%20during%20the%20Vietnam%20war.%20The%20Secretary%20flew%20over%20US%20Marine%20lines%20protecting%20the%20airstrip.%20The%20Chu%20Lai%20was%20the%20launching%20base%20for%20Marine%20Attack%20squadrons%20supporting%20US%20Marine%20and%20South%20Vietnamese%20operation%20in%20the%20North%20and%20central%20part%20of%20the%20Republic%20of%20Vietnam.%2029%20June%20American%20troops%20have%20gone%20onto%20the%20offensive%20for%20the%20first%20time%20in%20Vietnam.%20In%20a%20joint%20operation%20with%20South%20Vietnamese%20forces%20they%20overran%20a%20network%20of%20trenches%20and%20tunnels%20in%20a%20Vietcong%20stronghold%2030%20miles%20east%20of%20Saigon.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20SSGT%20R.%20W.%20SAVATT%2C%20JR.%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

SAN%20DIEGO%20%26%238211%3B%20JANUARY%2031%3A%20%20A%20%20view%20of%20the%20United%20States%20Marines%20in%20full%20formation%20during%20the%20Pregame%20Ceromony%20before%20a%20game%20of%20the%20Washington%20Redskins%20against%20the%20Denver%20Broncos%20prior%20to%20Super%20Bowl%20XXII%20at%20Jack%20Murphy%20Stadium%20on%20January%2031%2C%201988%20in%20San%20Diego%2C%20California.%20The%20Redskins%20won%2042-10.%20%28Photo%20by%20George%20Rose%2FGetty%20Images%29

UDAIRI%20RANGE%2C%20KUWAIT%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%208%3A%20%20US%20Marines%20from%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20run%20through%20the%20desert%20during%20military%20exercises%20codenamed%20%26%238220%3BEager%20Mace%26%238221%3B%20at%20the%20Udairi%20Range%20in%20the%20Kuwaiti%20desert%2C%2050%20kilometres%20south%20of%20Iraq%2008%20April%202000.%20US%20marines%20launched%20a%20mock%20assault%20during%20these%20joint%20Kuwaiti-US%20war%20games%20that%20run%20until%2025%20April%20and%20involve%20some%201400%20American%20sailors%20and%20marines.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20RAED%20QUTENA%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

ABOARD%20USS%20PELELIU%2C%20AT%20SEA%20%26%238211%3B%20OCTOBER%2028%3A%20%20U.S.%20Marines%20of%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20disembark%20from%20CH-46E%20Sea%20Knight%20helicopters%20aboard%20the%20USS%20Peleliu%2C%20an%20amphibious%20assault%20ship%20based%20in%20San%20Diego%2029%20October%202001.%20The%20Marines%20are%20part%20of%20the%2015th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20that%20is%20supporting%20Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20EARNIE%20GRAFTON%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20group%20of%20U.S.%20Marines%20stand%20guard%2018%20April%201983%20in%20front%20of%20the%20destroyed%20section%20of%20the%20U.S.%20embassy%20in%20Beirut.%20%20A%20bomb%20partially%20destroyed%20the%20building%20killing%20and%20injuring%20scores%20of%20people.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20-%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

SKYROS%20ISLAND%2C%20GREECE%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2028%3A%20%20A%20US%20Marine%20soldier%20makes%20up%20his%20face%20after%20landing%20on%20the%20coast%20as%20700%20US%20Marines%20and%20one%20Greek%20Marines%20batalion%20take%20part%20in%20a%20three-day%20joint%20manoeuvers%20codenamed%20%26%238220%3BALEXANDER%20THE%20GREAT%2095%26%238242%3B%26%238221%3B%20during%20which%20they%20are%20drilled%20on%20an%20amphibious%20disembarkation%20plan%20on%20the%20Aegean%20island%20of%20Skyros%2028%20November.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20Matta%20KOKKALI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

KUWAIT%2C%20KUWAIT%20%26%238211%3B%20JUNE%207%3A%20%20A%20detachment%20of%20U.S.%20Marines%2C%20part%20of%20a%204%2C200%20person%20contingent%2C%20arrives%20at%20Showeikh%20Harbor%2C%20five%20kilometers%20from%20Kuwait%20City%2C%2007%20June.%20The%20Marines%20will%20join%20with%20British%20and%20Kuwaiti%20forces%20for%20a%20weeklong%20series%20of%20air%2C%20ground%20and%20naval%20maneuvers%20in%20Operation%20Eager%20Mace.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20RAED%20QUTANIARQ%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

JACKSONVILLE%2C%20NC%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2020%3A%20%20A%20sniper%20with%20the%204th%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Brigade%2C%20Corporal%20Jeremy%20Northrop%20takes%20aim%20at%20his%20target%2020%20Nov%202001%20during%20sniper%20training%20conducted%20at%20Marine%20Corps%20Base%2C%20Camp%20Lejuene%2C%20NC.%20%20The%204thMEB%20was%20recently%20activated%20this%20year%20to%20specifically%20deal%20with%20terrorism%20activities.%20%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20JOHN%20ALTHOUSE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

An%20advance%20team%20of%20100%20U.S.%20Marines%20patrol%20the%20airport%20in%20Mogadishu%20shortly%20after%20their%20arrival%20on%20shore%2027%20February.%20Operation%20United%20Shield%2C%20which%20is%20due%20to%20extract%20the%20rear%20guard%20of%20U.N.%20troops%20from%20Somalia%20is%20set%20to%20begin%20this%20week.%20Rival%20factions%20are%20reportedly%20likely%20to%20battle%20one%20another%20for%20control%20of%20the%20airport%20once%20U.N.%20forces%20abandon%20their%20two%20year%20mission%20to%20Somalia.%20%20%28COLOR%20KEY%3A%20Sky%20is%20blue.%29%20%20%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20POOL%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

QATRANEH%2C%20JORDAN%3A%20%20A%20US%20Marine%20soldier%20drinks%20water%20as%20he%20guards%20his%20camp%2018%20August%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20the%20Jordanian%20desert%20near%20Qatraneh%2C%2080km%20south%20of%20Amman.%20US%20Marines%20and%20Jordanian%20military%20forces%20will%20train%20in%20a%20joint%2020-day%20operation.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20RABIH%20MOGHRABI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Two%20armed%20US%20Marines%20buy%20bananas%20from%20a%20passing%20vendor%2C%202%20January%201993%20in%20Mogadishu%20capital%20of%20Somalia%2C%20during%20%26%238220%3BRestore%20Hope%26%238221%3B%20operation.%20Since%203%20December%201992%2C%20the%20UN%20autorised%20US%20troops%20to%20deploy%20in%20Somalia%20in%20order%20to%20restore%20peace%20after%20civil%20anarchy%20caused%20by%20roving%20gangs%20gunmen%20attached%20to%20local%20warlords.%20American%20troops%20from%20the%20United%20Nations%20International%20Trask%20Force%20%28UNITAF%29%20arrived%209%20December%201992%20in%20Mogadishu%20and%20began%20the%20%26%238220%3BRestore%20Hope%26%238221%3B%20operation.%20Since%20then%20number%20of%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Somalia%20has%20risen%2C%20twenty%20one%20countries%20are%20contributing%20to%20the%20UN%20forces%20in%20Somalia%2C%20the%20largest%20are%20US%2C%20France%2C%20Italy%2C%20Morocco%20and%20Canada.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20PASCAL%20PAVANI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20PASCAL%20PAVANI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

NEW%20YORK%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2010%3A%20%20Anchor%20and%20Managing%20Editor%2C%20NBC%20Nightly%20News%2C%20Brian%20Williams%20and%20Super%20Bowl%20Champion%20Football%20Coach%20Bill%20Cowher%20pose%20with%20the%20USMC%20Color%20Guard%20at%20the%20Iraq%20and%20Afghanistan%20Veterans%20of%20America%20Annual%20Heroes%20Gala%20at%20Gotham%20Hall%20on%20November%2010%2C%202010%20in%20New%20York%2C%20City.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Joe%20Kohen%2FGetty%20Images%20for%20IAVA%29

HELMAND%2C%20AFGHANISTAN%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2025%3A%20U.S.%20Marine%20Warrant%20Officer%20Samantha%20Munn%20from%20Eldon%2C%20Missouri%20serves%20up%20some%20turkey%20in%20the%20dining%20facility%20for%20the%20annual%20Thanksgiving%20meal%20at%20Camp%20Leatherneck%20November%2025%2C%202010%20in%20Helmand%2C%20Afghanistan.%20Roughly%2015%2C000%20Marines%2C%20other%20military%20and%20private%20contractors%20make%20up%20the%20population%20at%20Camp%20Leatherneck%20in%20Helmand%20province.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Paula%20Bronstein%20%2FGetty%20Images%29

HELMAND%2C%20AFGHANISTAN%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2025%3A%20%20U.S.%20Marines%20get%20served%20turkey%20dinners%20in%20the%20main%20dining%20facility%20during%20the%20annual%20Thanksgiving%20meal%20at%20Camp%20Leatherneck%2C%20November%2025%2C%202010%20in%20Helmand%2C%20Afghanistan.%20%20Roughly%2015%2C000%20Marines%2C%20other%20military%20and%20private%20contractors%20make%20up%20the%20population%20at%20Camp%20Leatherneck%20in%20Helmand%20province.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Paula%20Bronstein%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20gives%20a%20thumbs-up%20while%20on%20his%20way%20to%20Mogadishu%26%238217%3Bs%20beach%20to%20depart%20from%20Somalia%2C%2002%20March%201995.%20US%20Marines%20escorted%20the%20last%20UN%20peackeepers%20from%20Mogadishu%26%238217%3Bs%20shores%20to%20waiting%20warships%2C%20quietly%20ending%20the%20two%20year%20and%20%242%20billion%20intervention.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DOD%20POOL%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

U.S.%20Marine%20gunman%20Lance%20Corporal%20Gary%20Henrion%20aboard%20a%20Chinook%20chopper%20patrols%20the%20shoreline%20near%20Mogadishu%20airport%20in%20Somalia%2018%20December%201992%20as%20part%20of%20a%20reconnaissance%20flight.%20The%20Chinook%20belongs%20to%20a%20unit%20of%20the%20USS%20Tripoli%20helicopter%20carrier%20taking%20part%20in%20the%20%26%238221%3B%20Restore%20Hope%20%20Operation%20%26%238221%3B%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MIKE%20NELSON%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20U.S.%20Marine%20%28L%29%20guards%20Somalis%20looking%20for%20work%20at%20the%20American%20Embassy%20compound%2010%20January%2C%201993%20in%20Mogadishu%2C%20Somalia.%20The%20international%20coalition%20forces%20have%20secured%20the%20regions%20of%20Baidoa%2C%20Bardera%2C%20Bali%20Dogle%2C%20Hoddur%2C%20Belet%20Huen%20and%20Jalalaxsi.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MANOOCHER%20DEGHATI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MUSA%20QALA%2C%20AFGHANISTAN%20%26%238211%3B%20NOVEMBER%2014%3A%20%28SPAIN%20OUT%2C%20FRANCE%20OUT%2C%20AFP%20OUT%29%20Hospital%20Corpsman%20Shannon%20Crowley%2C%2022%2C%20US%20Navy%20Sailor%20working%20with%20the%20FET%2C%20shares%20a%20laugh%20with%20Lance%20Corporal%20Kristi%20Baker%2C%2021%2C%20US%20Marine%20with%20the%20FET%20%28Female%20Engagement%20Team%29%201st%20Battalion%208th%20Marines%2C%20Regimental%20Combat%20team%20II%20before%20going%20out%20on%20a%20patrol%20November%2014%2C%202010%20in%20Musa%20Qala%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%2048%20women%20presently%20working%20along%20the%20volatile%20front%20lines%20of%20the%20war%20in%20Afghanistan%20deployed%20as%20the%20second%20Female%20Engagement%20team%20participating%20in%20a%20more%20active%20role%2C%20gaining%20access%20where%20men%20can%26%238217%3Bt.%20The%20women%2C%20many%20who%20volunteer%20for%20the%206.5%20month%20deployment%20take%20a%2010%20week%20course%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%20in%20California%20where%20they%20are%20trained%20for%20any%20possible%20situation%2C%20including%20learning%20Afghan%20customs%20and%20basic%20Pashtun%20language.%20%28Photo%20by%20Paula%20Bronstein%2FGetty%20Images%29

WASHINGTON%2C%20DC%20%26%238211%3B%20DECEMBER%2020%3A%20%20U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Master%20Sgt.%20William%20Gibson%2C%20a%20veteran%20who%20was%20wounded%20in%20the%20Iraq%20war%2C%20helps%20located%20a%20Christmas%20tree%20at%20the%20apex%20of%20the%20Vietnam%20Veterans%20Memorial%20December%2020%2C%202010%20in%20Washington%2C%20DC.%20The%20Christmas%20tree%20was%20decorated%20with%20hand%20made%20cards%20and%20ornaments%20made%20by%20schoolchildren%20from%20around%20the%20United%20States.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Win%20McNamee%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%208th%2C%20Bravo%20company%20patrol%20during%20an%20operation%20not%20far%20from%20Shir%20Chazay%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20district%20of%20Helmand%20province%20on%20January%2022%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%208th%2C%20Bravo%20runs%20during%20an%20operation%20not%20far%20from%20Shir%20Chazay%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20district%20of%20Helmand%20province%20on%20January%2022%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%208th%2C%20Bravo%20smokes%20while%20taking%20a%20rest%20during%20an%20operation%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20district%20of%20Helmand%20province%20on%20January%2023%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%208th%2C%20Bravo%20knees%20on%20the%20ground%20during%20an%20operation%20in%20Zalmabad%20village%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20district%20of%20Helmand%20province%20on%20January%2023%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20takes%20a%20rest%20during%20a%20patrol%20outside%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20January%2028%2C%202011.%20Taliban%20militants%20are%20waging%20a%20nine-year%20insurgency%20against%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20shakes%20hands%20with%20children%20during%20a%20patrol%20outside%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20January%2028%2C%202011.%20Taliban%20militants%20are%20waging%20a%20nine-year%20insurgency%20against%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20stands%20behind%20the%20babred%20wire%20the%20base%20after%20returning%20from%20a%20patrol%20outside%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20January%2028%2C%202011%20in%20Musa%20Qala.%20Taliban%20militants%20are%20waging%20a%20nine-year%20insurgency%20against%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20%28R%29%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20plays%20a%20guitar%20as%20others%20take%20food%20at%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20February%201%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%208th%2C%20Bravo%20looks%20on%20with%20binoculars%20during%20an%20operation%20in%20Zalmabad%20village%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20district%20of%20Helmand%20province%20on%20January%2022%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20plays%20with%20Afghan%20children%20during%20patrol%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20on%20January%2030%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20interacts%20with%20children%20during%20a%20patrol%20outside%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20January%2028%2C%202011.%20Taliban%20militants%20are%20waging%20a%20nine-year%20insurgency%20against%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201%20Marines%20division%2C%201%20Tanks%2C%20Delta%20company%2C%203%20platoon%20sits%20in%20his%20M1%20Abrams%20tank%20as%20others%20refuel%20their%20vehicles%20at%20FOB%20Edinburgh%20base%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20on%20February%202%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20on%20a%20foot%20patrol%20interacts%20with%20Afghan%20children%20outside%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20January%2028%2C%202011%20in%20Musa%20Qala.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20plays%20guitar%20at%20a%20kitchen%20in%20the%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20February%201%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20stands%20guard%20at%20his%20post%20at%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20February%201%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20stands%20guard%20at%20his%20post%20at%20Musa%20Qala%20District%20Center%20base%20on%20February%201%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20sits%20as%20he%20watches%20fire%2C%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20on%20January%2030%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20take%20a%20break%20and%20play%20cards%20at%20Talibghan%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%203%2C%202011.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20places%20a%20kettle%20on%20a%20fire%20as%20he%20takes%20a%20break%20at%20Talibghan%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%203%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20takes%20an%20azimuth%20reading%20before%20shooting%20at%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%205%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20shaves%20at%20Talibghan%20base%20on%20February%203%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20a%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20take%20a%20break%20and%20play%20cards%20at%20Talibghan%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%203%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201%20Marines%20division%2C%201%20Tanks%2C%20Delta%20company%2C%203%20platoon%20refuels%20his%20M1%20Abrams%20tank%20at%20FOB%20Edinburgh%20base%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20on%20February%202%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20shoots%20at%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%205%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20lines%20up%20his%20shoot%20with%20a%20rocket%20launcher%20as%20the%20American%20flag%20floats%20in%20the%20background%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%206%2C%202011.%20%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20prepares%20his%20shot%20with%20a%20rocket%20launcher%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%206%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20speaks%20over%20the%20radio%20just%20after%20undergoing%20an%20attack%20by%20alleged%20Talibans%20during%20patrol%20outside%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%205%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20works%20at%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20at%20February%205%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20observes%20from%20his%20post%20at%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20on%20the%20south%20of%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%204%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOVAFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20plays%20with%20a%20trained%20dog%20at%20Shagali%20patrol%20base%2C%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%203%2C%202011.%20Each%20trained%20dog%20used%20for%20special%20purposes%20in%20the%20military%20can%20cost%2070%2C000%20USD%20upwards.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20a%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20peers%20through%20his%20rifle%20scope%20at%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20stands%20near%20his%20armoured%20vehicle%20during%20rain%20at%20Shagali%20patrol%20base%2C%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%203%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20a%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

The%20shadow%20of%20a%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20is%20cast%20upon%20a%20wall%20as%20his%20unit%20patrols%20around%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%208%2C%202011.%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20said%20on%20February%208%2C%202011%20that%20he%20was%20in%20talks%20with%20the%20United%20States%20about%20the%20possible%20establishment%20of%20permanent%20US%20military%20bases%20in%20his%20war-ravaged%20country.AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20plays%20with%20a%20trained%20dog%20at%20Shagali%20patrol%20base%2C%20in%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%203%2C%202011.%20Each%20trained%20dog%20used%20for%20special%20purposes%20in%20the%20military%20can%20cost%2070%2C000%20USD%20upwards.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20a%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20uses%20a%20communications%20set%20while%20on%20patrol%20near%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20runs%20at%20Talibghan%20base%20on%20February%203%2C%202011.%20A%20140%2C000-strong%20force%20of%20NATO-led%20international%20troops%20stationed%20in%20Afghanistan%20currently%20fighting%20a%20Taliban-led%20insurgency%20is%20now%20entering%20its%20tenth%20year.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20receives%20a%20haircut%20from%20a%20comrade%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20on%20patrol%20near%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20receives%20a%20haircut%20from%20a%20comrade%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20receives%20a%20haircut%20from%20a%20comrade%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20controls%20an%20unmanned%20aerial%20vehicle%20%28UAV%29%20at%20Vehicle%20Squadron%202%2C%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2015%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20shoulders%20his%20weapon%20as%20his%20unit%20patrols%20around%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%208%2C%202011.%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20said%20on%20February%208%2C%202011%20that%20he%20was%20in%20talks%20with%20the%20United%20States%20about%20the%20possible%20establishment%20of%20permanent%20US%20military%20bases%20in%20his%20war-ravaged%20country.AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20stands%20next%20to%20a%20CH-53%20helicopter%20at%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2016%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20plays%20basketball%20at%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2015%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%2C%20Bravo%20company%20washes%20his%20head%20following%20a%20haircut%20at%20new%20Mirage%20patrol%20base%2C%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20looks%20out%20of%20his%20machine%20gun%20turret%20on%20board%20a%20CH-53%20helicopter%20before%20landing%20in%20Gamser%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2016%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Two%20US%20Marines%20walk%20toward%20CH-53%20helicopters%20at%20camp%20Dwyer%2C%20Gamser%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2016%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20inspects%20an%20unmanned%20aerial%20vehicle%20%28UAV%29%20at%20Vehicle%20Squadron%202%2C%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2015%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20mans%20a%20machine%20gun%20shortly%20before%20a%20helicopter%20landing%20in%20Camp%20Delhi%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20February%2017%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrols%20past%20a%20mosque%20in%20Gamser%20on%20February%2020%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Lance%20Corporal%20Corey%20Hilton%20from%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stands%20guard%20as%20US%20Marines%20with%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20members%20visit%20a%20sewing%20centre%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2018%2C%202011.%20The%20US%20Marines%20have%20deployed%20some%2040%20female%20Marines%20in%20Helmand%20province%20and%20Nimruz%20for%20a%20programme%20called%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20to%20interact%20with%20Afghan%20civilians%20specifically%20women%20and%20children.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Two%20US%20Marines%20play%20basket%20ball%20AT%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2015%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20mans%20his%20machine%20gun%20on%20board%20a%20CH-53%20helicopter%20during%20a%20flight%20over%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20February%2016%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20foreign%20troops%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20Taliban%2C%20who%20were%20ousted%20from%20power%20by%20a%20US-led%20invasion%20in%202001%20following%20the%20September%2011%20attacks.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Major%20Marley%20from%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20checks%20his%20pockets%20as%20Afghan%20children%20ask%20for%20candy%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Gamser%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2022%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20aproach%20as%20a%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stands%20guard%2C%20while%20members%20of%20the%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FETs%29%20visit%20a%20sewing%20center%20in%20Gamser%2C%20in%20the%20southern%20Afghanistan%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%2018%2C%202011.%20US%20Marines%20deployed%20about%2040%20Female%20Marines%20in%20Helmand%20province%20and%20Nimruz%20for%20a%20program%20called%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FETs%29%20to%20interact%20with%20Afghan%20civilians%2C%20especially%20women%20and%20children.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20check%20the%20area%20during%20a%20patrol%20along%20the%20Helmand%20river%20in%20Gamser%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2022%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrol%20along%20the%20Helmand%20river%20in%20Gamser%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2022%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Two%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20soldiers%20speak%20to%20an%20Afghan%20child%20as%20they%20take%20a%20rest%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2023%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Lance%20Corporal%20Emmanuel%20De%20Los%20Reges%20%28L%29%20and%20Lance%20Corporal%20Corey%20Hilton%20%28R%29%20from%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stand%20guard%20as%20US%20Marines%20with%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29members%20visit%20a%20sewing%20centre%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2018%2C%202011.%20The%20US%20Marines%20have%20deployed%20some%2040%20female%20Marines%20in%20Helmand%20province%20and%20Nimruz%20for%20a%20programme%20called%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20to%20interact%20with%20Afghan%20civilians%20specifically%20women%20and%20children.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20talks%20to%20a%20child%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Gamser%20on%20February%2020%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20takes%20position%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20the%20village%20of%20Kashthay%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2024%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20is%20watched%20by%20Afghan%20children%20as%20he%20holds%20a%20doll%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20the%20village%20of%20Kashthay%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2024%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20takes%20position%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20the%20village%20of%20Kashthay%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2024%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Sargeant%20Savanna%20E.%20Malendoski%2C%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20member%2C%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20is%20silhouetted%20against%20a%20doorway%20as%20she%20leaves%20a%20house%20after%20a%20visit%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20province%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2023%2C%202011.%20US%20Marines%20deployed%20about%2040%20Female%20Marines%20in%20Helmand%20province%20and%20Nimruz%20for%20a%20program%20called%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20to%20interact%20with%20Afghan%20civilians%20specifically%20the%20women%20and%20children.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

An%20Afghan%20child%20is%20reflected%20on%20the%20glasses%20of%20interpreter%20Sonia%20as%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20members%20with%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20visit%20a%20house%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20province%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2023%2C%202011.%20US%20Marines%20deployed%20about%2040%20Female%20Marines%20in%20Helmand%20province%20and%20Nimruz%20for%20a%20program%20called%20Female%20Engagement%20Team%20%28FET%29%20to%20interact%20with%20Afghan%20civilians%20specifically%20the%20women%20and%20children.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stands%20guard%20as%20colleagues%20check%20a%20house%20after%20finding%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20women%20walk%20past%20US%20Marines%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20during%20their%20patrol%20at%20the%20Kashthay%20village%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2024%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20takes%20position%20as%20colleagues%20check%20a%20house%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20checks%20the%20situation%20after%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20were%20found%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20the%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20%20takes%20position%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%20on%20February%2025%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20greets%20school%20children%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20the%20village%20of%20Kashthay%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2024%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrols%20in%20Garmser%20on%20February%2025%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20runs%20after%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20were%20found%20at%20a%20house%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrols%20in%20Garmser%20on%20February%2025%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stands%20guard%20as%20the%20unit%20patrol%20Gamser%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2022%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20%28FRONT%29%20digs%20earth%20as%20colleagues%20from%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20secure%20a%20location%20where%20they%20found%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20in%20the%20compound%20of%20a%20house%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20handles%20mortar%20shells%20after%20his%20unit%20found%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20in%20the%20compound%20of%20a%20house%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20digs%20earth%20as%20colleagues%20from%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20secure%20a%20location%20where%20they%20found%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20in%20the%20compound%20of%20a%20house%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrol%20along%20the%20Helmand%20river%20in%20Gamser%2C%20southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2022%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20walks%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2028%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20sits%20atop%20a%20Mine-resistant%20Ambush%20Protected%20Vehicle%20%28MATV%29%20prior%20to%20a%20patrol%20in%20Gamser%2C%20Helman%20province%20Southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2020%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20keeps%20watch%20outside%20a%20new%20police%20station%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2028%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Corporal%20Hurb%20Hartfield%20%28R%29%2C%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20checks%20situation%20during%20a%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%203%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marines%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20shakes%20handa%20with%20an%20Afghan%20child%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Southern%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2023%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20carries%20mortar%20shells%20after%20the%20unit%20found%20more%20than%2040%20mortar%20shells%20in%20the%20compound%20of%20a%20house%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20February%2026%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20returns%20to%20a%20base%20after%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20downsouth%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%203%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20company%20patrol%20in%20Laki%2C%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%204%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20company%20checks%20for%20Improvised%20Explosive%20Device%20%28IED%29%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Laki%2C%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%204%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20returns%20to%20Camp%20Gorgak%20after%20a%20patrol%20along%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%2C%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20walks%20on%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Corporal%20Hunter%20Woolf%20%28R%29%20with%20his%20dog%20Susie%2C%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20checks%20the%20situation%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Laki%2C%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%204%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20walks%20on%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

AFP%2FGetty%20Images%3Cbr%20%2F%3EA%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20returns%20to%20a%20base%20after%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%203%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20walks%20on%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20walk%20past%20a%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20during%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20watch%20as%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20patrol%20along%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%2C%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

An%20Afghan%20man%20walks%20behind%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Battallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20during%20their%20patrol%20with%20Aghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Laki%20south%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%203%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20sits%20on%20top%20of%20a%20Mine-Resistant%20Ambush%20Protected%20Vehicle%20%28MATV%29%20at%20camp%20Gorgak%20downsouth%20Garmser%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20March%202%2C%202011.%20%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20US%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20picture%20taken%20on%20March%205%2C%202011%20shows%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20exercising%20at%20the%20Amir%20Patrol%20Base%26%238217%3Bs%20Iron%20yard%20in%20Lakari%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Crosses%20hang%20as%20%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20attend%20a%20mass%20prayer%20at%20a%20chapel%20of%20the%20FOB%20Delhi%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20%20%20on%20March%206%2C%202011.%20%20%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%206%2C%202011%20told%20US%20General%20David%20Petraeus%2C%20the%20commander%20of%20international%20troops%2C%20that%20his%20apology%20after%20nine%20children%20died%20in%20a%20NATO%20air%20strike%20was%20%26%238220%3Bnot%20enough%26%238221%3B.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20photo%20taken%20on%20March%205%2C%202011%20shows%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20exercising%20at%20the%20Amir%20Patrol%20Base%26%238217%3Bs%20Iron%20yard%20in%20Lakari%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20picture%20taken%20on%20March%202%2C%202011%20shows%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Weapons%20Company%20cooking%20pizza%20in%20Laki%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20photo%20taken%20on%20March%205%2C%202011%20shows%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20exercise%20at%20the%20Amir%20Patrol%20Base%26%238217%3Bs%20Iron%20yard%20in%20Lakari%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Corporal%20Tom%20Love%2C%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20talks%20to%20an%20Afghan%20child%20during%20a%20joint%20patrol%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20in%20Lakari%20downsouth%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%205%2C%202011.%20One%20in%20three%20Afghan%20soldiers%20still%20leave%20the%20army%20each%20year%2C%20but%20NATO%20remains%20on%20track%20to%20raise%20the%20number%20of%20security%20forces%20to%20305%2C000%20by%20October%202011%2C%20an%20alliance%20general%20said.%20Boosting%20the%20ranks%20of%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20forces%20is%20a%20vital%20element%20of%20NATO%26%238217%3Bs%20plan%20to%20begin%20handing%20command%20of%20the%20battlefield%20to%20Afghans%20this%20year%2C%20and%20start%20withdrawing%20some%20foreign%20troops%2C%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20giving%20them%20full%20control%20nationwide%20by%202014.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Chapelin%20Luitenant%20Timothy%20Miller%20%28L%29%20plays%20guitar%20as%20he%20leads%20mass%20prayers%20for%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20at%20the%20FOB%20Delhi%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20%20%20on%20March%206%2C%202011.%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%206%20told%20US%20General%20David%20Petraeus%2C%20the%20commander%20of%20international%20troops%2C%20that%20his%20apology%20after%20nine%20children%20died%20in%20a%20NATO%20air%20strike%20was%20%26%238220%3Bnot%20enough%26%238221%3B.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20photo%20taken%20on%20March%205%2C%202011%20shows%20a%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20exercises%20at%20the%20Amir%20Patrol%20Base%26%238217%3Bs%20Iron%20yard%20in%20Lakari%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20%28L%29%20shakes%20hand%20with%20Afghanistan%20National%20Army%20%28ANA%29%20soldiers%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

This%20photo%20taken%20on%20March%205%2C%202011%20shows%20a%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Batallion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Fox%20Company%20exercises%20at%20the%20Amir%20Patrol%20Base%26%238217%3Bs%20Iron%20yard%20in%20Lakari%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20look%20on%20as%20a%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%2C%20walks%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Secretary%20of%20State%20Hillary%20Clinton%20poses%20for%20a%20photograph%20with%20members%20of%20the%20USMC%20%26%238220%3BFAST%20Marines%26%238221%3B%2C%20a%20quick%20response%20team%20from%20Norfolk%2C%20Virginia%2C%20on%20duty%20at%20the%20US%20Embassy%20in%20Cairo%2C%20on%20March%2016%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FPAUL%20J.%20RICHARDS-POOL%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20PAUL%20J.%20RICHARDS%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Bibel%20quotes%20are%20written%20on%20a%20helmet%20of%20a%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%2012%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

An%20Afghan%20child%20look%20on%20as%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%207%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20at%20a%20machine%20gun%20position%20on%20a%20MATV%20leaves%20the%20FOB%20Delhi%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%2014%2C%202011.%20An%20emotional%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%2012%20told%20international%20troops%20to%20%26%238220%3Bstop%20their%20operations%20in%20our%20land%26%238221%3B%2C%20his%20strongest%20remarks%20yet%20over%20mistaken%20killings%20of%20civilians.%20A%20UN%20report%20recorded%202%2C777%20civilian%20deaths%20last%20year%2C%20underscoring%20the%20level%20of%20violence%20in%20the%20country%20as%20foreign%20troops%20prepare%20to%20start%20handing%20control%20of%20security%20to%20Afghan%20forces%20in%20some%20areas%20from%20July.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20walks%20past%20ruins%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%2013%2C%202011.%20An%20emotional%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%2012%20told%20international%20troops%20to%20%26%238220%3Bstop%20their%20operations%20in%20our%20land%26%238221%3B%2C%20his%20strongest%20remarks%20yet%20over%20mistaken%20killings%20of%20civilians.%20A%20UN%20report%20recorded%202%2C777%20civilian%20deaths%20last%20year%2C%20underscoring%20the%20level%20of%20violence%20in%20the%20country%20as%20foreign%20troops%20prepare%20to%20start%20handing%20control%20of%20security%20to%20Afghan%20forces%20in%20some%20areas%20from%20July.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

OSHIMA%20ISLAND%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%201%3A%20%28EDITORS%20NOTE%3A%20Image%20has%20been%20reviewed%20by%20U.S.%20Military%20prior%20to%20transmission.%29%20In%20this%20handout%20image%20provided%20by%20the%20U.S.%20Navy%2C%20Marines%20with%20the%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20and%20the%20Japanese%20Ground%20Self-Defense%20Force%20arrive%20in%20Oshima%20Island%2C%20Japan%2C%20to%20provide%20humanitarian%20assistance%20and%20disaster%20relief%20on%20April%201%2C%202011%20in%20Oshima%2C%20Island.%20%20Essex%2C%20with%20the%20embarked%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%2C%20is%20currently%20operating%20off%20the%20coast%20of%20Kesennuma%2C%20in%20northeastern%20Japan%2C%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Tomodachi.%20%28Photo%20by%20Mass%20Communication%20Specialist%202nd%20Class%20Eva-Marie%20Ramsaran%2FU.S.%20Navy%20via%20Getty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%201st%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marines%20blows%20bubbles%20from%20chewing%20gum%20as%20he%20%20waits%20with%20a%20colleague%20to%20patrol%20the%20area%20around%20new%20Mirage%20base%2C%20on%20the%20south%20of%20Musa%20Qala%20District%2C%20Helmand%20province%20on%20February%204%2C%202011.%20US-led%20NATO%20troops%20are%20under%20a%20deadline%20across%20Afghanistan%20to%20train%20local%20forces%20to%20take%20responsibility%20for%20their%20country%26%238217%3Bs%20security%20by%202014.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DMITRY%20KOSTYUKOV%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MILWAUKEE%2C%20WI%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%2004%3A%20Members%20of%20the%20U.S.%20Marine%20color%20guard%20watch%20batting%20practice%20from%20a%20gate%20in%20the%20right%20field%20wall%20before%20the%20home%20opener%20between%20the%20Atlanta%20Braves%20and%20the%20Milwaukee%20Brewers%20at%20Miller%20Park%20on%20April%204%2C%202011%20in%20Milwaukee%2C%20Wisconsin.%20%28Photo%20by%20Jonathan%20Daniel%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20patrols%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%2012%2C%202011.%20There%20are%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%2C%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States%2C%20in%20Afghanistan%20fighting%20the%20militant%20Islamist%20Taliban.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

An%20Afghan%20boy%20on%20a%20bicycle%20passes%20US%20Marines%20of%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan%20on%20March%2012%2C%202011.%20On%20March%209%20a%20UN%20report%20revealed%20that%20the%20deaths%20of%20Afghan%20civilians%20in%20the%20war%20had%20increased%2015%20percent%20to%20a%20record%20high%20last%20year%2C%20adding%20that%20insurgents%20were%20responsible%20for%20three-quarters%20of%20the%20killings.%20There%20are%20currently%20around%20140%2C000%20international%20troops%20serving%20in%20Afghanistan%2C%20around%20two-thirds%20of%20them%20from%20the%20United%20States.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20watch%20as%20a%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20stands%20in%20front%20of%20ruins%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%2013%2C%202011.%20An%20emotional%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%2012%20told%20international%20troops%20to%20%26%238220%3Bstop%20their%20operations%20in%20our%20land%26%238221%3B%2C%20his%20strongest%20remarks%20yet%20over%20mistaken%20killings%20of%20civilians.%20A%20UN%20report%20recorded%202%2C777%20civilian%20deaths%20last%20year%2C%20underscoring%20the%20level%20of%20violence%20in%20the%20country%20as%20foreign%20troops%20prepare%20to%20start%20handing%20control%20of%20security%20to%20Afghan%20forces%20in%20some%20areas%20from%20July.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

OSHIMA%20ISLAND%2C%20JAPAN%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%203%3A%20%20In%20this%20handout%20provided%20by%20the%20U.S.%20Navy%2C%20Marines%20with%20the%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20unload%20supplies%20and%20equipment%20for%20disaster%20relief%20operations%20April%203%2C%202011%20on%20Oshima%20Island%2C%20Japan.%20Marines%20with%20the%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20and%20Sailors%20with%20the%20Essex%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20are%20on%20Oshima%20Island%20to%20help%20clear%20a%20harbor%20and%20assist%20with%20cleaning%20debris%20from%20roads%20and%20a%20local%20school%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Tomodachi%20following%20the%20deadly%20March%2011%20earthquake%20and%20resulting%20tsunami.%20%28Photo%20by%20Eva-Marie%20Ramsaran%2FU.S.%20Navy%20via%20Getty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%202nd%20Battalion%2C%201st%20Marines%20Regiment%20walks%20past%20ruins%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20on%20March%2013%2C%202011.%20An%20emotional%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%2012%20told%20international%20troops%20to%20%26%238220%3Bstop%20their%20operations%20in%20our%20land%26%238221%3B%2C%20his%20strongest%20remarks%20yet%20over%20mistaken%20killings%20of%20civilians.%20A%20UN%20report%20recorded%202%2C777%20civilian%20deaths%20last%20year%2C%20underscoring%20the%20level%20of%20violence%20in%20the%20country%20as%20foreign%20troops%20prepare%20to%20start%20handing%20control%20of%20security%20to%20Afghan%20forces%20in%20some%20areas%20from%20July.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

First%20Sergeant%20Damien%20Rodriguez%20of%20the%20US%20Marine%26%238217%3Bs%20Apache%20Company%20of%20the%20Company%20A%203rd%20Light%20Armored%20Reconaissance%20Battalion%2C%202nd%20Marine%20Division%20%28Forward%29%20shows%20poppies%20plantation%20belong%20to%20villagers%20near%20Patrol%20Base%20Torbert%20in%20Banadar%20corridor%2C%20Garmsher%20district%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20on%20April%2018%2C%202011%20as%20they%20search%20for%20Improvised%20Explosive%20Devices%20%28IEDs%29%20set%20by%20insurgent%20in%20a%20local%20school.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20Bay%20ISMOYO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20BAY%20ISMOYO%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

In%20this%20picture%20taken%20on%20March%2013%20shows%20a%20US%20Marine%26%238217%3Bs%20weapon%2C%20a%20helmet%20and%20a%20pair%20of%20gloves%20during%20a%20break%20of%20a%20patrol%20in%20Garmser%2C%20Helmand%20Province%2C%20Afghanistan.%20%20An%20emotional%20Afghan%20President%20Hamid%20Karzai%20on%20March%2012%20told%20international%20troops%20to%20%26%238220%3Bstop%20their%20operations%20in%20our%20land%26%238221%3B%2C%20his%20strongest%20remarks%20yet%20over%20mistaken%20killings%20of%20civilians.%20A%20UN%20report%20recorded%202%2C777%20civilian%20deaths%20last%20year%2C%20underscoring%20the%20level%20of%20violence%20in%20the%20country%20as%20foreign%20troops%20prepare%20to%20start%20handing%20control%20of%20security%20to%20Afghan%20forces%20in%20some%20areas%20from%20July.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20ADEK%20BERRY%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ADEK%20BERRY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Corpsman%20HA%20Joey%20Echeverria%20of%20Company%20A%203rd%20Light%20Armored%20Reconaissance%20Battalion%2C%202nd%20Marine%20Division%20%28Forward%29%20holds%20a%20check%20point%20near%20their%20Patrol%20Base%20in%20Banadar%20corridor%2C%20Garmsher%20district%2C%20Helmand%20province%2C%20on%20April%2018%2C%202011%20as%20US%20Marines%20search%20for%20Improvised%20Explosive%20Devices%20%28IEDs%29%20set%20by%20insurgent%20in%20a%20local%20school.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20Bay%20ISMOYO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20BAY%20ISMOYO%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20member%20of%20the%20US%20Marine%20helicopter%20CH%2053%20crew%20sits%20at%20the%20back%20door%20as%20it%20flies%20over%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%203%2C%202011.%20On%20April%202%2C%202011%20the%20US%20announced%20it%20had%20killed%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%20in%20a%20covert%20operation%20in%20Pakistan%2C%20nearly%20ten%20years%20after%20the%20superpower%20invaded%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20the%209%2F11%20attacks%20claimed%20by%20the%20Al-Qaeda%20chief.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20Bay%20ISMOYO%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20BAY%20ISMOYO%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20rests%20during%20a%20patrol%20at%20Kote%20Tazagul%20area%20in%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2024%2C%202011.%20US%20lawmakers%20saw%20momentum%20for%20political%20reconciliation%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%26%238217%3Bs%20death%2C%20but%20voiced%20fear%20that%20the%20fight%20against%20extremism%20was%20floundering%20in%20Pakistan.%20Senator%20John%20Kerry%2C%20who%20recently%20visited%20the%20region%2C%20said%20US%20forces%26%238217%3B%20killing%20of%20bin%20Laden%20in%20Pakistan%20along%20with%20%26%238220%3Bsecurity%20gains%26%238221%3B%20in%20the%20Taliban%26%238217%3Bs%20historic%20stronghold%20of%20southern%20Afghanistan%20%26%238220%3Bhave%20created%20some%20political%20space.%26%238221%3B%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20looks%20though%20the%20scope%20of%20his%20rifle%20during%20a%20patrol%20at%20Kote%20Tazagul%20area%20in%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2024%2C%202011.%20US%20lawmakers%20saw%20momentum%20for%20political%20reconciliation%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%26%238217%3Bs%20death%2C%20but%20voiced%20fear%20that%20the%20fight%20against%20extremism%20was%20floundering%20in%20Pakistan.%20Senator%20John%20Kerry%2C%20who%20recently%20visited%20the%20region%2C%20said%20US%20forces%26%238217%3B%20killing%20of%20bin%20Laden%20in%20Pakistan%20along%20with%20%26%238220%3Bsecurity%20gains%26%238221%3B%20in%20the%20Taliban%26%238217%3Bs%20historic%20stronghold%20of%20southern%20Afghanistan%20%26%238220%3Bhave%20created%20some%20political%20space.%26%238221%3B%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20smokes%20a%20cigar%20during%20a%20patrol%20in%20Kote%20Tazagul%20area%20in%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2024%2C%202011.%20US%20lawmakers%20saw%20momentum%20for%20political%20reconciliation%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%26%238217%3Bs%20death%2C%20but%20voiced%20fear%20that%20the%20fight%20against%20extremism%20was%20floundering%20in%20Pakistan.%20Senator%20John%20Kerry%2C%20who%20recently%20visited%20the%20region%2C%20said%20US%20forces%26%238217%3B%20killing%20of%20bin%20Laden%20in%20Pakistan%20along%20with%20%26%238220%3Bsecurity%20gains%26%238221%3B%20in%20the%20Taliban%26%238217%3Bs%20historic%20stronghold%20of%20southern%20Afghanistan%20%26%238220%3Bhave%20created%20some%20political%20space.%26%238221%3B%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

NEW%20YORK%2C%20NY%20%26%238211%3B%20MAY%2027%3A%20%20A%20United%20States%20Marine%20shows%20weaponry%20during%20demonstrations%20in%20Times%20Square%20as%20part%20of%20Fleet%20Week%20festivities%20May%2027%2C%202011%20in%20New%20York%20City.%20Fleet%20Week%2C%20which%20has%20been%20held%20in%20New%20York%20since%201984%2C%20brings%20thousands%20of%20military%20members%20to%20the%20city%20where%20they%20engage%20the%20public%20with%20numerous%20activities%2C%20demonstrations%2C%20tours%20and%20contests.%20Fleet%20Week%20concludes%20on%20Memorial%20Day%20with%20a%20military%20flyover%20to%20honor%20those%20killed%20while%20serving%20in%20the%20military.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Spencer%20Platt%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Secretary%20of%20State%20Hillary%20Clinton%20%28L%29%20greets%20members%20of%20the%20USMC%20%26%238220%3BFAST%20Marines%26%238221%3B%2C%20a%20quick%20response%20team%20from%20Norfolk%2C%20Virginia%2C%20on%20duty%20at%20the%20US%20Embassy%20in%20Cairo%2C%20on%20March%2016%2C%202011.%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FPAUL%20J.%20RICHARDS-POOL%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20PAUL%20J.%20RICHARDS%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

NEW%20YORK%2C%20NY%20%26%238211%3B%20MAY%2027%3A%20A%20United%20States%20Marine%20poses%20while%20showing%20weaponry%20during%20demonstrations%20in%20Times%20Square%20as%20part%20of%20Fleet%20Week%20festivities%20May%2027%2C%202011%20in%20New%20York%20City.%20Fleet%20Week%2C%20which%20has%20been%20held%20in%20New%20York%20since%201984%2C%20brings%20thousands%20of%20military%20members%20to%20the%20city%20where%20they%20engage%20the%20public%20with%20numerous%20activities%2C%20demonstrations%2C%20tours%20and%20contests.%20Fleet%20Week%20concludes%20on%20Memorial%20Day%20with%20a%20military%20flyover%20to%20honor%20those%20killed%20while%20serving%20in%20the%20military.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Spencer%20Platt%2FGetty%20Images%29

NEW%20YORK%2C%20NY%20%26%238211%3B%20MAY%2030%3A%20%20Major%20General%20Mills%20USMC%20%20I%20MEF%20CG%20%28C%29%20poses%20with%20the%20USO%20Liberty%20Bells%20during%20the%20USO%20Military%20Appreciation%20Day%20with%20the%20NY%20Mets%20at%20Citi%20Field%20on%20May%2030%2C%202011%20in%20New%20York%20City.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Neilson%20Barnard%2FGetty%20Images%20for%20USO%20of%20Metropolitan%20New%20York%29

OSHIMA%20ISLAND%2C%20JAPAN%20%26%238211%3B%20APRIL%203%3A%20%20In%20this%20handout%20provided%20by%20the%20U.S.%20Navy%2C%20Marines%20with%20the%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20%28MEU%29%20unload%20supplies%20and%20equipment%20for%20disaster%20relief%20operations%20April%203%2C%202011%20on%20Oshima%20Island%2C%20Japan.%20Marines%20with%20the%2031st%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Unit%20and%20Sailors%20with%20the%20Essex%20Amphibious%20Ready%20Group%20are%20on%20Oshima%20Island%20to%20help%20clear%20a%20harbor%20and%20assist%20with%20cleaning%20debris%20from%20roads%20and%20a%20local%20school%20in%20support%20of%20Operation%20Tomodachi%20following%20the%20deadly%20March%2011%20earthquake%20and%20resulting%20tsunami.%20%28Photo%20by%20Eva-Marie%20Ramsaran%2FU.S.%20Navy%20via%20Getty%20Images%29

CULVER%20CITY%2C%20CA%20%26%238211%3B%20JUNE%2004%3A%20%20Actress%20Eva%20Mendes%20%28L%29%20kisses%20a%20U.S.%20Marine%20onstage%20during%20Spike%20TV%26%238217%3Bs%205th%20annual%202011%20%26%238220%3BGuys%20Choice%26%238221%3B%20Awards%20at%20Sony%20Pictures%20Studios%20on%20June%204%2C%202011%20in%20Culver%20City%2C%20California.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Kevin%20Winter%2FGetty%20Images%29

Afghan%20children%20look%20on%20as%20a%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20walks%20to%20his%20patrol%20base%20in%20Block%209th%20of%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2025%2C%202011.%20US%20lawmakers%20on%20May%2024%20saw%20momentum%20for%20political%20reconciliation%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%26%238217%3Bs%20death%2C%20but%20voiced%20fear%20that%20the%20fight%20against%20extremism%20was%20floundering%20in%20Pakistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20walks%20to%20his%20patrol%20base%20in%20Block%209th%20of%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2025%2C%202011.%20US%20lawmakers%20on%20May%2024%20saw%20momentum%20for%20political%20reconciliation%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%20the%20wake%20of%20Osama%20bin%20Laden%26%238217%3Bs%20death%2C%20but%20voiced%20fear%20that%20the%20fight%20against%20extremism%20was%20floundering%20in%20Pakistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

AMHERST%2C%20NH%20%26%238211%3B%20JULY%204%3A%20Former%20Massachusetts%20governor%20and%20Republican%20presidential%20candidate%20Mitt%20Romney%20%28R%29%20shakes%20hands%20with%20a%20U.S.%20Marine%20while%20marching%20in%20a%20Fourth%20of%20July%20parade%20July%204%2C%202011%20in%20Amherst%2C%20New%20Hampshire.%20Romney%2C%20considered%20the%20republican%20front%20runner%2C%20%20raised%20nearly%20%2420%20million%20in%20the%20second%20quarter.%20%28Photo%20by%20Darren%20McCollester%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20from%20the%202nd%20Battalion%2C%208th%20Marine%20Regiment%20of%20the%202nd%20Marine%20Expeditionary%20Brigade%20wait%20for%20helicopter%20transport%20as%20part%20of%20Operation%20Khanjar%20at%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20in%20Afghanistan%20on%20July%202%2C%202009.%20%20US%20Marines%20launched%20a%20major%20offensive%20into%20the%20Taliban%20heartlands%20of%20southern%20Afghanistan%20before%20dawn%20as%20President%20Barack%20Obama%26%238217%3Bs%20new%20war%20plan%20swung%20into%20action.%20With%20dozens%20of%20aircraft%20ferrying%20out%20troops%20from%20various%20bases%2C%20the%20assault%20aimed%20to%20insert%20forces%20into%20insurgent%20strongholds%20in%20Helmand%20province%20in%20what%20officers%20said%20was%20the%20biggest%20offensive%20airlift%20by%20the%20Marines%20since%20Vietnam.%20Operation%20Khanjar%20%28Strike%20of%20the%20Sword%29%2C%20involving%20nearly%204%2C000%20US%20forces%20as%20well%20as%20650%20Afghan%20police%20and%20soldiers%2C%20would%20bring%20security%20to%20the%20Helmand%20River%20valley%20ahead%20of%20presidential%20elections%20on%20August%2020%2C%20commanders%20aid.%20%20TOPSHOTS%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2F%20%20Manpreet%20ROMANA%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MANPREET%20ROMANA%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

CARSON%2C%20CA%20%26%238211%3B%20JUNE%2003%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20looks%20on%20prior%20to%20the%20MLS%20match%20between%20D.C.%20United%20and%20the%20Los%20Angeles%20Galaxy%20at%20The%20Home%20Depot%20Center%20on%20June%203%2C%202011%20in%20Carson%2C%20California.%20United%20and%20the%20Galaxy%20played%20to%20a%200-0%20draw.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Victor%20Decolongon%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20rests%20as%20he%20waits%20for%20a%20flight%20at%20the%20military%20airport%20of%20Camp%20Dwyer%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2021%2C%202011.%20Six%20medical%20students%20were%20killed%20and%2023%20others%20wounded%20in%20a%20Taliban%20suicide%20attack%20at%20Afghanistan%26%238217%3Bs%20main%20military%20hospital%20in%20Kabul%2C%20officials%20said.%20The%20blast%20took%20place%20at%20lunchtime%20in%20a%20tent%20used%20as%20a%20dining%20room%20by%20students%20at%20the%20heavily-secured%20city%20centre%20hospital%2C%20one%20of%20the%20biggest%20and%20best-equipped%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Navy%20Pvt.%201st%20Class%20Kori%20Sunderman%20walks%20with%20his%20one-year-old%20son%20Caleb%20and%20wife%20Brenna%20as%20approximately%20270%20US%20Marines%20and%20sailors%20with%20Regimental%20Combat%20Team%201%20%28RTC%201%29%20return%20from%20a%2012-month%20deployment%20to%20Afghanistan%20on%20September%202%2C%202011%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20Marines%20of%20RCT%201%20served%20from%20September%202010%20through%20September%202011%20in%20support%20of%20the%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force-Afghanistan%20in%20the%20southern%20and%20central%20Helmand%20River%20Valley.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2F%20David%20McNew%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DAVID%20MCNEW%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Marine%20Gunnery%20Sgt.%20Christopher%20Krivenko%20holds%20his%20nine-month-old%20daughter%20Bree%20as%20approximately%20270%20US%20Marines%20and%20sailors%20with%20Regimental%20Combat%20Team%201%20%28RTC%201%29%20return%20from%20a%2012-month%20deployment%20to%20Afghanistan%20on%20September%202%2C%202011%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20Marines%20of%20RCT%201%20served%20from%20September%202010%20through%20September%202011%20in%20support%20of%20the%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force-Afghanistan%20in%20the%20southern%20and%20central%20Helmand%20River%20Valley.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20David%20McNew%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DAVID%20MCNEW%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

WASHINGTON%2C%20DC%20%26%238211%3B%20JUNE%2028%3A%20%20United%20States%20Marine%20Corps%20Lieutenant%20General%20John%20Allen%20prepares%20to%20testify%20before%20the%20Senate%20Armed%20Services%20Committee%20on%20Capitol%20Hill%20June%2028%2C%202011%20in%20Washington%2C%20DC.%20Allen%20has%20been%20nominated%20by%20President%20Barack%20Obama%20to%20replace%20Gen.%20David%20Petraeus%20as%20the%20commander%20of%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force%20%28ISAF%29%20and%20U.S.%20forces%20in%20Afghanistan.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Chip%20Somodevilla%2FGetty%20Images%29

In%20this%20photograph%20taken%20on%20May%2018%2C%202011%2C%20a%20US%20Marines%20runs%20to%20a%20V-22%20Osprey%20tiltrotor%20aircraft%20at%20Camp%20Dwyer%20military%20airport%20in%20Helmand%20Province.%20Taliban%20fighters%20attacked%20an%20Afghan%20road%20construction%20company%20before%20dawn%20on%20May%2019%2C%20triggering%20gunbattles%20that%20killed%2035%20people%20and%20wounded%20another%2020%20in%20the%20worst%20single%20attack%20in%20months.%20The%20attack%2C%20which%20sparked%20a%20shootout%20lasting%20five%20hours%2C%20happened%20in%20the%20eastern%20province%20of%20Paktia%2C%20which%20borders%20Pakistan%2C%20a%20provincial%20spokesman%20said.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

MANHATTAN%2C%20KS%20%26%238211%3B%20JUNE%2024%3A%20%2A%2A%2AEXCLUSIVE%20COVERAGE%2A%2A%2A%20Recording%20Artists%20Jared%20Daniels%20with%20US%20Marines%20backstage%20during%20The%202011%20Country%20Stampede%20Day%202%20at%20Tuttle%20Creek%20State%20Park%20on%20June%2024%2C%202011%20in%20Manhattan%2C%20Kansas.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Rick%20Diamond%2FGetty%20Images%29

Loved%20ones%20are%20reunited%20as%20approximately%20270%20US%20Marines%20and%20sailors%20with%20Regimental%20Combat%20Team%201%20%28RTC%201%29%20return%20from%20a%2012-month%20deployment%20to%20Afghanistan%20on%20September%202%2C%202011%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20Marines%20of%20RCT%201%20served%20from%20September%202010%20through%20September%202011%20in%20support%20of%20the%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force-Afghanistan%20%28ISAF%29%20in%20the%20southern%20and%20central%20Helmand%20Valley.%20%20%20%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FDavid%20McNew%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DAVID%20MCNEW%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Marines%20and%20sailors%20maintain%20formation%20while%20awaiting%20release%20to%20join%20nearby%20loved%20ones%20as%20approximately%20270%20US%20Marines%20and%20sailors%20with%20Regimental%20Combat%20Team%201%20%28RTC%201%29%20return%20from%20a%2012-month%20deployment%20to%20Afghanistan%20on%20September%202%2C%202011%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20Marines%20of%20RCT%201%20served%20from%20September%202010%20through%20September%202011%20in%20support%20of%20the%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force-Afghanistan%20in%20the%20southern%20and%20central%20Helmand%20River%20Valley.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2F%20David%20McNew%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DAVID%20MCNEW%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20from%203rd%20Battalion%209th%20Marines%20Kodiak%20Company%20talks%20to%20Afghan%20locals%20after%20a%20Shura%20in%20Block%209%20of%20Marjah%20district%20in%20Helmand%20Province%20on%20May%2022%2C%202011.%20Six%20members%20of%20the%20Afghan%20security%20forces%20died%20on%20May%2022%20when%20the%20Taliban%20stormed%20a%20traffic%20police%20office%20and%20two%20suicide%20bombers%20detonated%20themselves%2C%20triggering%20a%20nine-hour%20standoff.%20The%20attack%20in%20restive%20Khost%20province%2C%20which%20borders%20Pakistan%20in%20the%20east%2C%20came%20the%20day%20after%20six%20medical%20students%20were%20killed%20and%2023%20wounded%20when%20a%20suicide%20bomber%20struck%20at%20Kabul%26%238217%3Bs%20heavily-guarded%20main%20military%20hospital.%20It%20is%20the%20latest%20in%20a%20wave%20of%20breaches%20at%20supposedly%20secure%20Afghan%20government%20sites%20as%20the%20annual%20spring%20fighting%20season%20gets%20under%20way%20in%20Afghanistan.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2FMassoud%20HOSSAINI%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20MASSOUD%20HOSSAINI%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Marine%20Gunnery%20Sgt.%20Christopher%20Krivenko%20holds%20his%20nine-month-old%20daughter%20Bree%20as%20approximately%20270%20US%20Marines%20and%20sailors%20with%20Regimental%20Combat%20Team%201%20%28RTC%201%29%20return%20from%20a%2012-month%20deployment%20to%20Afghanistan%20on%20September%202%2C%202011%20at%20Camp%20Pendleton%2C%20California.%20The%20Marines%20of%20RCT%201%20served%20from%20September%202010%20through%20September%202011%20in%20support%20of%20the%20International%20Security%20Assistance%20Force-Afghanistan%20in%20the%20southern%20and%20central%20Helmand%20River%20Valley.%20AFP%20PHOTO%2F%20David%20McNew%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20DAVID%20MCNEW%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

DENVER%2C%20CO%20%26%238211%3B%20SEPTEMBER%2012%3A%20%20Marines%20are%20seen%20on%20the%20field%20during%20the%20singing%20of%20the%20United%20States%20National%20Anthem%20before%20the%20Denver%20Broncos%20take%20on%20the%20Oakland%20Raiders%20at%20Sports%20Authority%20Field%20at%20Mile%20High%20on%20September%2012%2C%202011%20in%20Denver%2C%20Colorado.%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Doug%20Pensinger%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20stand%20in%20front%20of%20the%20flag%20of%20The%20United%20States%20of%20America%2C%20in%20front%20of%20the%20US%20embassy%20in%20Sarajevo%2C%20on%20September%209%2C%202011.%20In%20memory%20of%20those%20who%20lost%20their%20lives%20in%20September%2011%2C%202001%20terrorist%20attacks%20on%20New%20York%20and%20Washington%2C%20US%20flag%20in%20Sarajevo%20was%20flown%20at%20half%20mast.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20ELVIS%20BARUKCIC%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ELVIS%20BARUKCIC%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20stand%20in%20front%20of%20the%20flag%20of%20the%20United%20States%20of%20America%2C%20in%20front%20of%20the%20US%20embassy%20in%20Sarajevo%2C%20on%20September%209%2C%202011.%20In%20memory%20of%20those%20who%20lost%20their%20lives%20in%20September%2011%2C%202001%20terrorist%20attacks%20on%20New%20York%20and%20Washington%2C%20the%20US%20flag%20in%20Sarajevo%20was%20flown%20at%20%20half%20mast.%20AFP%20PHOTO%20ELVIS%20BARUKCIC%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ELVIS%20BARUKCIC%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20take%20%20position%20during%20an%20amphibious%20landing%20simulation%20as%20part%20of%20RP-US%20Amphibious%20Landing%20Exercise%20%28PHIBLEX%29%20on%20the%20beach%20in%20San%20Antonio%2C%20Zambales%20province%2C%20north%20of%20Manila%20on%20October%2023%2C%202011.%20This%20year%26%238217%3Bs%20PHIBLEX%20is%20the%2028th%20in%20the%20series%20of%20bilateral%20exercises%20conducted%20every%20year%20as%20a%20venue%20for%20joint%20and%20combined%20training%20between%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20US%20militaries.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20TED%20ALJIBE%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20TED%20ALJIBE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20take%20position%20during%20an%20amphibious%20landing%20simulation%20as%20part%20of%20RP-US%20Amphibious%20Landing%20Exercise%20%28PHIBLEX%29%20on%20the%20beach%20in%20San%20Antonio%2C%20Zambales%20province%2C%20north%20of%20Manila%20on%20October%2023%2C%202011.%20This%20year%26%238217%3Bs%20PHIBLEX%20is%20the%2028th%20in%20the%20series%20of%20bilateral%20exercises%20conducted%20every%20year%20as%20a%20venue%20for%20joint%20and%20combined%20training%20between%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20US%20militaries.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20TED%20ALJIBE%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20TED%20ALJIBE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

A%20US%20Marine%20%28L%29%20gives%20instructions%20to%20two%20of%20his%20Philippine%20counterparts%20during%20an%20amphibious%20landing%20simulation%20as%20part%20of%20RP-US%20Amphibious%20Landing%20Exercise%20%28PHIBLEX%29%20on%20the%20beach%20in%20San%20Antonio%2C%20Zambales%20province%2C%20north%20of%20Manila%20on%20October%2023%2C%202011.%20This%20year%26%238217%3Bs%20PHIBLEX%20is%20the%2028th%20in%20the%20series%20of%20bilateral%20exercises%20conducted%20every%20year%20as%20a%20venue%20for%20joint%20and%20combined%20training%20between%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20US%20militaries.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20TED%20ALJIBE%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20TED%20ALJIBE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

PHOENIX%2C%20AZ%20%26%238211%3B%20SEPTEMBER%2011%3A%20%20A%20U.S.%20Marine%20stands%20at%20attention%20during%20the%20playing%20of%20the%20National%20Anthem%20during%20the%20pregame%20ceremonies%20commerorating%20the%2010th%20anniversary%20of%209%2F11%20Chase%20Field%20on%20September%2011%2C%202011%20in%20Phoenix%2C%20Arizona.%20The%20San%20Diego%20Padres%20defeated%20the%20Arizona%20Diamondbacks%207-6.%20%28Photo%20by%20Chris%20Pondy%2FGetty%20Images%29

US%20Marines%20take%20position%20during%20an%20amphibious%20landing%20simulation%20as%20part%20of%20RP-US%20Amphibious%20Landing%20Exercise%20%28PHIBLEX%29%20on%20the%20beach%20in%20San%20Antonio%2C%20Zambales%20province%2C%20north%20of%20Manila%20on%20October%2023%2C%202011.%20This%20year%26%238217%3Bs%20PHIBLEX%20is%20the%2028th%20in%20the%20series%20of%20bilateral%20exercises%20conducted%20every%20year%20as%20a%20venue%20for%20joint%20and%20combined%20training%20between%20the%20Marine%20Corps%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20US%20militaries.%20%20%20AFP%20PHOTO%20%2F%20TED%20ALJIBE%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20TED%20ALJIBE%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29