British Royal Marine Brigadier David A. Hook and U.S. Marine Lt. Col. David L. Odom discuss operations May 5, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Hook is the deputy commander of International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command South. Odom is the commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police.