New York Times – The Hidden Dangers of Helmand Province, Part I.

More from CJ Chivers with the Marines in Afghanistan.

Sea Power – 2010 Almanac Highlights – Status of the US Marines

The status of the US Marine Corps as of January 2010.

New York Times – Foot on Bomb, Marine Defies a Taliban Trap

On patrol with CJ Chivers and Marines in Afghanistan.

Associated Press – US Marines end role in Iraq

The U.S. Marine Corps wrapped up nearly seven years in Iraq on Saturday, handing over duties to the Army and signaling the beginning of an accelerated withdrawal of American troops as the U.S. turns its focus away from the waning Iraqi war to a growing one in Afghanistan.

US Naval Institute Proceedings – Where’s the Special Trust and Confidence?

Marines stand in harm’s way and make tough, split-second decisions in battle. Back home, they face seminars about liberty conduct and fastening seatbelts. Is this smart training for “strategic corporals”?

Der Spiegel – The Marines’ Factory of War

Every year, 21,000 fresh recruits are transformed into warriors at the Marine Corps boot camp Parris Island. With US President Barack Obama now boosting troop levels in Afghanistan, many of them will be on a plane within just a few months.

Los Angeles Times – Marines plow ahead with anti-poppy campaign in Afghan district

The U.S. troops emphasize persuasion in trying to get farmers to change to other crops to keep drug money out of the Taliban’s hands. They’re also planning an assault on an insurgent stronghold.

Washington Post – Holiday in Afghanistan

Some troops get turkey, others get MREs, but everyone gets a tiny taste of Thanksgiving. With the Marines in Afghanistan.

Los Angeles Times – Marines in Afghanistan hear a plea: Don’t leave too soon

Others in Helmand would like them to leave immediately. And frustrating to most involved, the work of U.S. forces to instill a sense of security and confidence in the government is going slowly.

Sand Diego Union Tribune – Defusing the threat

The Marines are getting critical info and training to help them defeat improvised bombs.

Los Angeles Times – A training ground as beautiful as the front lines are hellish

A remote Marine training camp in the picturesque Eastern Sierra provides the best terrain in the U.S. for troops heading to the frigid, windy, mountainous fields of Afghanistan.

The Times – Hard fight in the desert, soft targets in the cities

The Taliban knew the marines were coming and they left a ghost town littered with bombs before leaving their stronghold.

The Times – Patrolling the challenging landscape of Afghanistan with US Marines

Two weeks into Operation Khanjar, their largest offensive of the Afghan war, American troops have grabbed a swath of territory in the southernmost districts of Helmand. But, as their commanders acknowledge, that is the easy part…

Washington Post – Marines Launch New Afghan Mission

U.S. Marines began fanning out across the southern Helmand River valley Thursday, traveling by foot and armored convoys under the scorching summer sun in an effort to wrest control of the area from Taliban insurgents.

Defense Tech – Gates Opaque on EFV Call

Norman Polmar writes that one of the decisions not yet made by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is the future of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), the new “amtrac” being developed for the Marine Corps.

Defense Tech – MV-22 Osprey Going To Sea

Normal Polmar writes that the Marine Corps is about to deploy a squadron of Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft aboard an amphibious assault ship. The pending departure of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) will mark the first time that an Osprey squadron has “gone to sea” for operations with a Marine assault unit.

Los Angeles Times – In It Together Part 5

The fifth and final part of a series by David Zucchino following 3 friends through boot camp to deployment and back. They joined on the buddy program with high hopes. It’s been a hard road.

Los Angeles Times – In It Together Part 4

Part 4 of a series by David Zucchino following 3 friends through boot camp to deployment and back. They’ve learned to take lives. Now the friends will risk their own.

Los Angeles Times – In It Together Part 2

Part 2 of a series by David Zucchino following 3 friends through boot camp to deployment and back. Three best friends headed off as Daniel, Daryl and Steven. Now they’ll all answer to ‘Recruit!’

Los Angeles Times – In It Together Part 1

Part 1 of a series by David Zucchino following 3 friends through boot camp to deployment and back. Three good friends prepare for the same boot camp platoon as part of the buddy program. They are eager, but their parents are torn.

Virginian Pilot – Osprey heads out on Bataan for deployment

Almost 20 years after its first test flight, and a decade since two fatal crashes grounded it, the Osprey is poised for its first full deployment with a Navy amphibious group.

DefenseTech – Keeping Marines Off The Beach

Norman Polmar writes that one of the leading candidates for cancellation by the new administration is the long-gestating Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), the advanced “amtrac” that has been under development for almost two decades.

Los Angeles Times – Marines drafting plan to send more troops to Afghanistan

Marine Corps leaders are devising a plan to send thousands of additional combat troops to Afghanistan to wage aggressive warfare against the Taliban that they expect could take years.

Associated Press – Helicopter-plane Osprey fares well as ferry in Iraq

After a troubled history, the V-22 Osprey – half-helicopter, half-plane – has been ferrying troops and equipment across Iraq for a little more than a year without a major incident.

Associated Press – High altitudes, dispersed battalions and restricted travel zones are among the serious challenges facing the Marines as it weighs the resources needed to perform its missions in Afghanistan where violence has escalated.
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