Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Platoon, 2nd Tolei, 3rd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 203rd Corps, stand for a photo before beginning a security patrol at Observation Post Yankees, May 23, 2013. Third Kandak faced heavy resistance from insurgents during Operation Zafar, a 10-day security patrol into the Nikeh district. The ANA were able to repel the enemy’s attacks with minimal involvement from American forces. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Mark VanGerpen, 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)