GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - 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.