US Marines Patrolling Delaram

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.

US Marines on patrol while providing security in the southern town of Delaram, in the silent battle to secure the Afghan population. Delaram, Afghanistan. 19/02/2010.

Flying across Afghanistan's Helmand province into the heart of the insurgency. Barren, inhospitable land to the unassuming eye.

For US Marines in the turbulent south a large portion of their time is dedicated to patrolling secured areas.

This is the routine of counterinsurgency, walking the land looking for ghosts. Such patrols act as a show of force, as well as a chance to interact with the local populous, securing them. How this is received depends on where the Marines are and how they act.

Here in Delaram the population is said to be 80% in favour of the Marines presence and 20% opposed.

The Marines of this battalion are favored by the local populous over the previous battalion, which was said to have been too heavy handed. The implications of which are significant.

Whilst the previous battalion suffered from many IEDs, these Marines, using more toned down methods, have been informed by the townsfolk of every IED laid by the Taliban that they know of since the beginning of their tour. This is the cornerstone of what the Marines are trying to achieve in the mostly silent battle to secure the Afghan population.

Yet some gazes still hold reluctance. A dog, aggressively guarding its masters door is shot by one of the Marines. Often trained to be aggressive, dogs are a constant problem for ISAF troops. Yet this one had not charged.

A dog's life is cheap here, but looking back down the street, as a women and children passing by loiter around the corpse with its gaping exit wound, one wonders of the greater implications.

Such things mean more work for the battalions Civil Affairs Team, who are still handing out compensation payments from the previous battalion's tour.

The patrol moves on, indifferent, they have seen a lot in their time here. A gaggle of children shadow the patrol, or laying in ambush with their demands for chocolate and pens.

The Marines hand out Jolly Ranchers, pens and take pictures with disposable cameras, memories they mail home to remind them of what is was like here.

Back 'inside the wire' the marines debrief. The corporal covers alternate methods to deal with dogs, but this is just another day in the routine.