marines

AP - The Marine Corps confirmed Thursday that one of its scout sniper teams in Afghanistan posed for a photograph in front of a flag with a logo resembling that of the notorious Nazi SS.

Earlier this week, Marine Major Darrel Choat revealed on Morning Edition that he is gay. Choat made the statement on the day that "don't ask, don't tell" was formally repealed.

That law had banned gays from serving openly in the military. Steve Inskeep checks back in with Choat to hear how those he serves with reacted to the news.

U.S. Marines are now trying to build relationships with local people after gaining ground in the southern Afghanistan area of Marjah.

But after two years of Taliban control, the group's presence is still deeply felt — especially the threats sent in "night letters" to those who cooperate with foreigners.

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U.S. Marines and their Afghan counterparts are tightening their hold on the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, in southern Afghanistan.

But hundreds of deadly homemade bombs, or IEDs, remain behind.

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AP - U.S.