II MEF News

An Afghanistan National Army soldier with the 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps talks to local children during a momentary halt during a security patrol here, July 1. The partnership between the Marines of 2nd Squad, Weapons Platoon, Alpha Company and their Afghan brothers-in-arms is an example for the rest of the infantry squads in 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to emulate. The ANA soldiers partnered with 2nd Squad have taken on independent responsibility of the operations in their area to include sweeping for improvised explosive devices and taking part in the planning of the patrols in the area. - An Afghanistan National Army soldier with the 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps talks to local children during a momentary halt during a security patrol here, July 1. The partnership between the Marines of 2nd Squad, Weapons Platoon, Alpha Company and their Afghan brothers-in-arms is an example for the rest of the infantry squads in 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to emulate. The ANA soldiers partnered with 2nd Squad have taken on independent responsibility of the operations in their area to include sweeping for improvised explosive devices and taking part in the planning of the patrols in the area.

Staff Sgt. Justin B. Clemens, a native of Kansas City, Miss., greets a local man during Operation Maneuver One in the Village of Ghughori Baba within Sangin, Afghanistan, June 5. The district of Sangin is located Clemens talked to the man to learn about the town, the security of the village and what the village lacked as it is secluded between the mountains and the Helmand River. “Ultimately what this fight comes down to are the people,” said Clemens, the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. “We are here to protect the people and provide security.” - Staff Sgt. Justin B. Clemens, a native of Kansas City, Miss., greets a local man during Operation Maneuver One in the Village of Ghughori Baba within Sangin, Afghanistan, June 5. The district of Sangin is located Clemens talked to the man to learn about the town, the security of the village and what the village lacked as it is secluded between the mountains and the Helmand River. “Ultimately what this fight comes down to are the people,” said Clemens, the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. “We are here to protect the people and provide security.”