Afghanistan, Its People, Its Army - and U.S. Marine Advisors

"Afghanistan, Its People, Its Army - and U.S. Marine Advisors," a collection of photographs depicting the Marine Corps' mission to train the Afghan National Army is now on exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps through Sept 30, 2010. The photographs were taken by Lt Col David A. Benhoff, USMC Reserve, while serving in Afghanistan in 2009 with the Embedded Training Teams. Much of the training takes place in areas of rugged terrain and remote villages, and the primary mission is to teach the Afghan soldiers to search for insurgents, weapons, and drugs. "I hope the photographs and text will help you understand the unique mission of the Embedded Training Teams and give you a look at some of the terrain, culture, and, perhaps most importantly, the people of Afghanistan. This is a battle for the very soul of Afghanistan" says Benhoff, who is assigned to the Marine Corps History Division in nearby Quantico. The photographs provide a lasting image of not only the soldiers, but also the children of Afghanistan.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps's new temporary exhibit, "Operation Just Cause 1989-1990 Marines in Panama." is a pictorial history of the liberation of Panama in just 24 days. The photographer, then Sgt. Chuck Jenks, provides the viewer a grunt's eye view of a harsh environment that challenged and honed the honor, courage and commitment of another generation of Marines. The exhibit is located just outside the "Making Marines" Gallery.