U.S. Marines from Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment conducted joint patrols with Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army soldiers in Farah Province, Afghanistan from January 24-25, 2009. The patrols involved walking through local bazaars to maintain security and conducting vehicle checkpoints and searches to inspect locals and vehicles. The goal was to ensure security in the area as part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan operations.

2. U.S. Marine Cpl. Thomas Human with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), mans his turret position during a patrol with Afghan National Police through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

3. Lance Cpl. Dexter Barefield with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security from a rooftop in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009, during a patrol with the Afghan National Police. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

4. A young Afghan boy watches as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

5. An Afghan National Policeman maintains security during a patrol with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

6. Lance Cpl. Nathan Griffith with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

7. An Afghan watches as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

8. Seaman Apprentice Brian Uibel, a hospital corpsman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), patrols through a local bazaar with an Afghan National Policeman in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

9. A young Afghan boy watches as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

10. U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintain security during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

11. A young Afghan boy works in a local garage as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

12. U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Johnson with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

13. An Afghan watches as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

14. An Afghan National Policeman maintains security during a patrol with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

15. Seaman Apprentice Brian Uibel, a hospital corpsman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and an Afghan National Policeman stand outside a store during a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

16. Seaman Apprentice Brian Uibel, a hospital corpsman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), talks with an Afghan National Policeman during a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

17. An Afghan National Policeman maintains security during a patrol with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

18. Seaman Apprentice Brian Uibel, a hospital corpsman and U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Johnson (left) with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), check stores during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

19. Seaman Apprentice Brian Uibel, a hospital corpsman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), runs up a set of stairs in a bazaar during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

20. An Afghan watches as U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), and Afghan National Police conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

21. Lance Cpl. Dexter Barefield, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), walks through a bazaar during a patrol with Afghan National Police in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

22. U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinfoced), provide security as an Afghan National Army soldier searches an Afghan during random vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

23. U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), provide security as an Afghan National Army soldier conducts vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

24. U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Adam Felde, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), walks with an Afghan National Army soldier in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

25. U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Walsh (front) and 1st Lt. Adam Felde (back), with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), provide security as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

26. U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Walsh, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), checks along the roadside as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

27. U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), provide security as an Afghan National Army soldier conducts vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

28. U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Walsh, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), checks along the roadside as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

29. An Afghan National Army soldier maintains security with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), as ANA soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

30. Lance Cpl. Aaron Garrett, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

31. U.S. Marine Cpl. Corey Walsh, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

32. An Afghan National Army soldier maintains security with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), as ANA soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

33. Lance Cpl. Justin Porter, with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure the security of the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

34. U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), provide security as Afghan National Army soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

35. An Afghan National Army soldier maintains security with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), as ANA soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)

36. An Afghan National Army soldier maintains security with U.S. Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), as ANA soldiers conduct vehicle inspections in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The vehicle inspections and personnel searches help to ensure security in the area. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau)