Task Force Southwest Marines prep for Afghanistan deployment
A Marine with Task Force Southwest inserts a round into an M224 60mm mortar during a live-fire training event at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 18, 2016. Approximately 30 Marines with the unit practiced firing, cleaning and practicing immediate action techniques on the weapon as part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Task Force Southwest is comprised of about 300 Marines, whose role will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and the 505th Zone National Police as part of NATO’s Resolute Support mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Lucas Hopkins)