THE TENSION: Combat Camera: US Marines Patrol in Now Zad, Afghanistan

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in the abandoned village of Now Zad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)

U.S. Navy Seaman Lucas J. Jettson looks through the scope on his weapon for possible insurgent activity during a security patrol in the abandoned village of Now Zad, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. Jettson is a hospital corpsman assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. William Tindle takes a break from a security patrol to hand out gum and speak with two displaced Now Zad residents who were grazing sheep in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. Tindle is a squad leader assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in the abandoned village of Now Zad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, which is attached to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Patrick Hilty, front, looks the scope on his weapon during a security patrol in the abandoned village of Now Zad, in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. Hilty is assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, attached to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in the abandoned village of Now Zad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 6, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. James A. Burks.)