Lance Cpl. Christopher Miller, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and a native of Emmett, Mich., throws a piece of wood from a tent into the back of a dump truck at Support Battalion, guide a bulldozer as it moves the berm surrounding a guard post at Firebase Saenz, Helmand province, Dec. 15. FB Saenz is the first of several patrol bases being demilitarized by the Marines of 9th ESB throughout the month of December. - Lance Cpl. Christopher Miller, a combat engineer with Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, and a native of Emmett, Mich., throws a piece of wood from a tent into the back of a dump truck at Support Battalion, guide a bulldozer as it moves the berm surrounding a guard post at Firebase Saenz, Helmand province, Dec. 15. FB Saenz is the first of several patrol bases being demilitarized by the Marines of 9th ESB throughout the month of December.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West (left) visited troops at the Combined Aid Station during his tour of facilities at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2011. - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West (left) visited troops at the Combined Aid Station during his tour of facilities at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2011.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan-Cpl. Samuel Stark, radio operator, 1st Brigade, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (left), and Cpl. Hunter A. St Cyr, forward observer, 1st Brigade, 5th ANGLICO (right), unload their deployment bags aboard Patrol Base Hazrat, Nov. 28. The 5th ANGLICO took over 1st ANGLICO's area of operations, Dec. 4 after weeks of receiving briefs from 1st ANGLICO on the mission, successes and concerns in the area. - CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan-Cpl. Samuel Stark, radio operator, 1st Brigade, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (left), and Cpl. Hunter A. St Cyr, forward observer, 1st Brigade, 5th ANGLICO (right), unload their deployment bags aboard Patrol Base Hazrat, Nov. 28. The 5th ANGLICO took over 1st ANGLICO's area of operations, Dec. 4 after weeks of receiving briefs from 1st ANGLICO on the mission, successes and concerns in the area.

US Marines and civilians inspect their surroundings in Zaranj, a border town between Iran and Afghanistan that is a major commercial hub for Nimroz province. ISAF and Afghan leaders spent the day in Zaranj to review plans to develop the capital city's infrastructure from commerce routes to waterways. - US Marines and civilians inspect their surroundings in Zaranj, a border town between Iran and Afghanistan that is a major commercial hub for Nimroz province. ISAF and Afghan leaders spent the day in Zaranj to review plans to develop the capital city's infrastructure from commerce routes to waterways.