Taken yesterday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan:

A Marine Special Operations Team member assists with security while Afghan Local Police receive their first payments in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 9, 2013. Afghan Local Police complement counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with limited Afghan National Security Forces presence, in order to enable conditions for improved security, governance and development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released)