An Afghan National Army soldier watches as U.S. soldiers of 2nd Platoon, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Spartan, patrol the town of Kolagu, Paktiya province, Afghanistan, March 8, 2012. Taking a step back to let Afghan National Forces take the lead during Operation Khoti Kheyl to advance their presence throughout the province and demonstrate their strength and capabilities.