U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nick Fernandez, a rifleman with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, provides perimeter security armed with a M-249 squad automatic weapon, during a security operation in the Khowst province of Afghanistan, March 8, 2005. Marines are conducting security and stabilization operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James Yarboro/Released)