U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jay Lappe, an operations officer with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides security during a road reconnaissance patrol in the Nawa district of Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Aug. 1, 2009. The Marines are trying to improve transportation for civilians and Afghan National Army soldiers by improving damaged roads and bridges. 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.