[myknowledge]

F Company (Fire Support) 1 Royal Welsh in position in the area west of Gorbay Noray, taking part of Operation Moshtaraq. February 14, 2010. Photo credit: SSgt Mark Jones British Army, Crown Copyright.

Troops ready to leave Camp Bastion as part of the 15,000 soldiers assembling the multinational force set to secure the town of Marjah, once a Taliban stronghold.

Marines from Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment gather materials for an outpost in their new position.

F Company (Fire Support) 1 Royal Welsh move through the fields near Gorbay Noray, after landing in a wave of three Chinook helicopters, bringing the troops close to their objective. The prevalent IED threat meant the most suitable landing sites for the helicopters were ploughed fields which meant extremely hard going through mud, ditches and water for the troops.

Keep up the good fight against the Talibs, Coalition troops! Semper fi, Leathernecks!

[Talisker]

Having assessed the situation well in advance of the coalition attack, the Taliban made it clear to the population, that despite the newcomers' declared eagerness to improve their livelihood, they will not stay in the area forever – but the Taliban certainly will, as it is their very environment.

Which is why Obama deserves so much thanks for announcing his clear intent to start pulling out whether or not political objectives are met.

"Pass the lamb fritters, Achmad. And take a look in the binos - are the Americans gone yet? No? Then just keep sharpening that sword for the villager reeducation campaign once they leave."

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Another perspective piece ....thanks for posting.