THE TENSION: Combat Camera: US Marines Conduct Cordon and Search Mission, Farah Province, Afghanistan

Cpl. Zach Switzer peers into an abandoned building during a cordon and search mission Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Switzer is an assault section leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced). 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

An Afghan national policeman sits vigilantly during a search and cordon mission, Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The ANP led the Marines of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), through a local village in search of weapon caches and suspected insurgent supporters. The ANP is increasingly in the lead during combat operations with alliance forces in support. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

Sgt. Nick Bender conducts an iris scan of an Afghan village elder's eye during a cordon and search mission Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Marines use the Biometric Automated Toolset to identify Afghans by using fingerprints and iris scans. Bender is the Company-Level Intelligence Cell chief with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

An Afghan national policeman searches the undercarriage of a vehicle during a cordon and search mission, Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The ANP are increasingly in the lead of counterinsurgency operations with alliance forces in support. The ANP were partnered with Marines of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

Cpl. Brian Aldrich and Lance Cpl. Lance Atkins provide security during a cordon and search mission, Feb. 9, 2009, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Aldrich and Atkins are both team leaders with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced). 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

Sgt. Thomas Heinzelman secures concertina wire while constructing a hasty processing center during a cordon and search mission Feb. 9, 2009, in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Heinzelman is a squad leader with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)

Lance Cpl. Jerry Haines remains vigilant while providing security for a team of female Marines engaging Afghan women during a cordon and search mission, Feb. 9, in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan employed a group of female Marines trained to interact with the Afghan female population. Due to cultural sensitivities male Marines are not permitted contact with Afghan females. Haines is a machine gunner with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton; Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan.)