Helmand Night Life. Photos by Cpl. M. Mancha

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A Marine with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, sleeps next to his tank after a hard day’s work. The night breeze keeps the Marines cool when they sleep outside under the moonlit sky.

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A tank rolls into position at the outpost late at night after a recent overwatch mission. The tanks with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, weigh about 70 tons and can hold more than 500 gallons of fuel. Their AGT-1500 turbine engines push out up to 1,500 horsepower.

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A Marine with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, takes in the scenery atop a tank. COP Ouellette sits on a hill that allows the Marines on guard duty to have a better view of the area.

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A Marine plays a game on his portable media player as the moon rises over the horizon behind the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. The Marines and sailors say it’s a treat to sleep outside because they get to see a sky that’s untainted by artificial light. They stay pretty busy during the day, so at night, when all becomes calm, the Marines try to unwind by playing video games or cards and sleeping after a hard day’s work.

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines unwind and play a friendly game of cards while listening to music after a hard day’s work. This scene is a common nightly ritual the Marines do to help them escape the stress of a deployed environment.