U.S. Marines prepare for a combat logistics patrol to Forward Operating Base Payne in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, March 23, 2013. The Marines are assigned to Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 2. The unit conducted the combat logistics patrol to facilitate the base’s demilitarization. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz
Departing British Find Reasons For Optimism In Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Soldiers and civilians prepare to depart with qualified confidence that progress will continue under full Afghan control.
The Royal Marines don't intend to make a fuss when they leave Afghanistan in the next few days; there will be a low-key ceremony at their headquarters in Helmand, and a lowering of the white ensign that has flown at their camp since last September.
But the veterans among them will pause for reflection.
After six tours in 12 years, and the deaths of 62 commandos in some of the fiercest fighting seen out here, the marines will not be coming back. Their time is over.
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