The Marines and Sailors of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, live minimally - to say the least - at their tiny outpost in southwestern Afghanistan.

Every Marine a rifleman. Regardless of military occupational specialty, Marines throughout history trained to fight, defend and carry out the duties of an infantryman should their country call. For members of the Fourth Marine Regiment Band, "The Last China Band," this call to arms became their new persona on Dec. 8, 1942.

Improvised explosive devices have changed the way the Marine Corps engages hostile forces. The need has risen for supplies to reach the most remote parts of Afghanistan quickly, reliably and safely.

Staff Sgt. James Fishburne and Sgt. Travis Shiflett, a Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team leader and an air traffic controller, respectively, with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, clear two AH-1W Super Cobras to land at their airfield aboard Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, known as FOB Edi, April 28, 2012.

After being delayed by rain and high winds, a small break in the clouds opens, allowing a short window for two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 to deliver much needed fuel and supplies to 1st Tank Battalion, operating in northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 26.

A CH-53E Super Stallion flies close enough to a KC-130J Hercules that the rivets outlining the frame can be counted.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., flew two MV-22B Ospreys to practice aerial maneuvering and landing on uneven terrain on San Clemente Island, Calif., April 24.

Towering high above base is an octagon-shaped pillar filled with the hum of technology and the buzz of busy workers.

Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 mount a memorial plaque at the entrance of their flight line aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012.

As the sun rises over Afghanistan, two CH-53D Sea Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, the "Ugly Angels," roll down the runway at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, to await their turn for takeoff.

"'Gunfighters rule' is more than a motto, it's a way of life," said Lt. Col. Ian Clark, the commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, at the squadron's 40th anniversary and battle colors ceremony aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, April 1, 2012.

Capt. Phillip A. Wiktor, a UH-1Y Huey pilot and the hazardous materials officer-in-charge with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 and a Rochester, Minn., native, received the 2011 Marine Corps Ground Safety Officer of the Year Award at the 26th Executive Force Preservation Board in Washington, D.C., March 28.

A four-vehicle convoy travels along the barren desert when the first vehicle is suddenly struck by an improvised explosive device. A Marine in the first vehicle is hit in the face by shrapnel. A Navy corpsman riding in the third vehicle jumps out and pulls the injured Marine from the vehicle and rushes to assess his injuries. The convoy commander immediately radios for a medical evacuation.