We wake up early for another mission. As we put on our gear we make sure to check our water supply and our food rations. It will be another hot day here and usually we need more water than we can pack. As we patrol outside the safety of our camp and towards the small Afghan town, we notice any changes in the road along the way. Changes may indicate bombs placed in the ground and it seems like they are everywhere. As the day goes on the temperature seems to increase very fast. When we get into town we search a couple of compounds and talk with the Afghan people in order to find enemy personnel and weapons. During the hottest part of the day usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. we try to rest and keep out of the sunlight to avoid heat exhaustion. When we are moving again we are well hydrated and fed and usually seek a different route back. Mostly to avoid more bombs or ambushes the enemy most likely set up to attack us on our way back. As we get back we set up in our camp in our circle as we start our watch rotations for the night. The rest of us sleep for a couple of hours until we need to relieve those of us watching us sleep.

Anonymous
Semper Fi