U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Raphi Mercado, with India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, scans the area outside Fire Base Fiddler's Green, Afghanistan, while awaiting a resupply airdrop on July 5, 2009. The Marines are deployed to support NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counter insurgency operations. They will train and mentor Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in the country.