A marine from Delta Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, chats to some children whilst on an Outreach patrol
[Picture: LA (Phot) AJ MaCleod]
The Marines from Delta Company, 40 Commando, are halfway through a six month deployment to Afghanistan. They are based at Forward Operating Base Gibraltar in the heart of Northern Helmand's Green zone.
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They can be seen here undertaking outreach patrols with a mobile 'MEDCAP', or clinic (consisting of a Nursing Officer and a Dentist) as well as providing engineering support and supplies for locals to repair a culvert.
Surgeon Lt (D) Michael Hesketh, 40 Commando's Dental Officer said:
"Outreach Patrols are ideal to show the intent of ISAF forces in giving aid and support to the local population until the Taliban are gone for good."
The Marines can also be seen hosting a 'Shura' or meeting with village leaders to discuss various issues. During the Shura, Major Tony Chattin RM, Officer Commanding Delta Company discussed repairing a bridge and a local mosque, he said:
"Through the Shura, it enables us to empower the village elders to take responsibility for solutions for the problems that they are facing."
The pictures here also show the Marines conducting an 'advance to contact', or overtly patrolling into Helmand's 'Green Zone' to known Taliban positions.