Recon Marines Take To The Skies Of Afghanistan

GySgt Brian Maass, jumpmaster Force Reconnaissance, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), gives his jumpers the six minute warning sign during a jump operation over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010. The jump operation was designed to focus on military parachuting, reconnaissance patrolling and maintenance of parachute insert proficiency. The unit is deployed to Afghanistan conducting counter insurgency operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force. Maass is a native of North Bergen, N.J.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), make their way onto a C-130 prior to a jump operation at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010. The jump operation was designed to focus on military parachuting, reconnaissance patrolling and maintenance of parachute insert proficiency. The unit is deployed to Afghanistan conducting counter insurgency operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), make their way to a C-130 prior to a jump operation at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), pose for a group photo prior to boarding a C-130 at the flightline aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010.

SSgt James Nine, Paraloft Chief assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), inspects the Marines gear prior to conducting a High-Altitude High-Opening jump at the flight line aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010.

U.S. Marines assigned to Force Reconnaissance, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), wait to conduct a High-Altitude High-Opening jump at the flightline aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2010.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), patrol the area after jumping out of a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2010. Once on the ground, the Marines were expected to consolidate their weapons systems, execute a communication plan for accountability, and then conduct a movement to action on the objective carrying packs and gear that weighed anywhere from 340 to 420 lbs. The unit is deployed to Afghanistan conducting counterinsurgency operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), holds security after jumping out of a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2010.

Cpl Clark Hallam, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), prepares to touch down after jumping out of a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2010. The operation was designed to focus on military parachuting, reconnaissance patrolling and maintenance of parachute insert proficiency. Hallam is a native of Monroe, La.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), fixes his night vision goggles after jumping out of a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2010

A U.S. Marine assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), conducts a High-Altitude High-Opening jump from a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2010.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), wait to conduct a low level static line jump from a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2010.

GySgt Brian Maass (right), jumpmaster Force Reconnaissance, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), inspects the emergency release mechanism of a Multi-Mission Parachute System prior to the Marines boarding a C-130 at the flight aboard Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2010. The Marines were conducting a five-day low level static line/ High Altitude High Opening jump operation designed to focus on military parachuting, reconnaissance patrolling and a chance for the Marines maintain parachute insert proficiency. Company B is deployed to Afghanistan conducting counterinsurgency operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

U.S. Marines assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), parachute out of a C-130 over Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2010.