GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Local children interact with Marines of 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company during a security patrol here, June 7. The squad was conducting a security halt in their village. During the patrol, the squad found an improvised explosive device. The squad has encountered three IEDs, the most of any squad in 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment during the deployment so far. The battalion supports Regimental Combat Team 1, under 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which serves as the ground combat element in Helmand. The mission of the division is to partner with Afghan National Security Forces to conduct counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.