A young Afghan boy watches as Afghan national police and Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conduct a patrol through a local bazaar in Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 24. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. By partnering with Afghan security forces, SPMAGTF-A strengthens the ability of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to protect its people.