Marines Prepare for Afghanistan

  • Cpl. Scott M. Schmidt
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Cpl. Scott M. Schmidt
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Matt Sanchez
  • Matt Sanchez
  • The "Afghan Village" was conceived to challenge Marines. A series of underground tunnels permits sniper fire from unexpected places.
  • Native Afghan role players walk the streets -- some are friendly others are foes. Marines hold intelligence meetings, at the end of training revolution to examine the information gathered.
  • Role Playing for Keeps: Corporal Adam King of the 2/8 Marines is tested on his ability to ask counter-insurgency questions through his interpreter.
  • The guns are real, even if the bullets are blanks. Corporal Adam King will soon face the real thing. "I'm excited to go to Afghanistan," the 23-year old Ida Michigan native says, but wife and family are "concerned".
  • Marines witness what they will probably not see in Afghanistan: a female Afghan's face.
  • Native Afghan role players tend to keep their identities secret, as many have family back in Afghanistan. But this young man, originally from Kabul, is grateful for what the American military has done in his native country. "I hope I can teach them things that could save their lives and lives back home," he said.
  • Real explosions happen during training cycles. Dry cork is used to simulate shrapnel, and when it detonates, Marine get a taste of the pain.
  • Order and discipline: Cultural awareness training may prove just as important as the new gear Marines are bringing to the fight in Afghanistan.
  • Sign reads: "Small Town Afghanistan."