Sangin was empty and largely destroyed as little as a year ago, but is now a bustling town and even able to boast a bazaar teeming with people. The presence of the Marines has provided a steady and ever-increasing level of security, working alongside the Afghan National Security Forces.
They have also been working on redevelopment projects, engaging with local people and asking them what infrastructure they need, as well as helping to fund some of the reconstruction.
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Captain Andy Goldsmith, head of CIMIC (Civil/Military Co-operation) at Sangin, said:
"The security situation has held back regeneration for so long that people have forgotten what Sangin should be like. Now finally we are starting to see sustainable progress that they can buy into, and the feedback we are getting is very encouraging.
"The emphasis for my team is to focus beyond our own tour and leave a roadmap that will last. Now, with a plan written and the security improving, the first non-Governmental Organisations are setting foot into Sangin again, to take the projects forward. This is an excellent step, as the intention is, and quite rightly should be, to allow Afghans to deliver an Afghan solution."
40 Commando's Bravo Company are helping to implement a ten-year plan for Sangin, recognising that they can take advantage of the improved security by involving locals who are returning to the area in their droves. Teams of workers can now be seen clearing rubble for new buildings to go up and preparing the main road for tarmac while children - both boys and girls - are starting to ignore intimidation to attend the newly-opened school.
Education almost disappeared when the former Taliban regime rose to power in Afghanistan in the mid 90s, leaving only religious teaching and no opportunity for children to improve their futures. The desire to learn however was not lost and children are slowly returning to the recently reopened District Centre School. This is a ten-classroom school which has been repaired after suffering damage through battle and neglect.
Teachers are still wary, and those that attend regularly take a circuitous route to and from the site to avoid intimidation. The fact that they are willing to teach at all is, however, testimony to their increasing confidence and with a second, larger school already under construction, every teacher will soon be needed.
40 Commando are based in Taunton and are four months into their tour of duty in northern Helmand. They are working alongside the Royal Marines of the Armoured Support Group and colleagues from the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.