"AFGHAN MARINES: FOG OF WAR" In 2008, 2,200 Marines were redeployed to Afghanistan's southern Helmand province responding to a plea by NATO generals who say they are yielding ground, losing their grip on security, and relinquishing control to a resurgent Taliban.

THIS IMAGE: U.S. Marines, from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, take positions on a berm during a fire fight with Taliban positions near the town of Garmser in Helmand Province of Afghanistan May 2, 2008.