U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment kneel at the firing line during live-fire training on the battle site zero range at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, on Nov. 22, 2008. The Marines are required to complete the training as part of their reception, staging, onward movement and integration training. DoD photo by Cpl. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)From The Washington Times:
Persuading isolated locals to back government a tough sell
surged toward a hot landing zone. Another pilot scouting ahead had sighted a band of suspected Taliban fighters in the area, and gunfire was expected.
"There are at least 20 guys down there. It could be a good day," said Lt. Chris Dewey, a plug of tobacco bulging from his lower lip.
JASON MOTLAGH/THE WASHINGTON TIMES U.S. soldiers make their way through a dust cloud to board a Chinook helicopter that will deploy them at a forward operating base near the remote Afghan village of Dila, which the government wants pacified before next year's elections.
Moments later, two Army platoons from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry charged out into the open, heaving themselves to the ground, rifles forward, as the helicopters pulled away and the dust cloud whipped up by their huge twin rotors settled back on the uncertain terrain.
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My Comment: Laying the groundwork for what is about to come.