A Gurkha Rifleman mans a forward position during 16 Air Assault Brigade's deployment, Helmand, 2006

Photograph, Afghanistan, 2006.

The rifleman sits in an observation post, part of a fortified compound from where British forces, working with the Afghan National Army, patrolled the surrounding countryside. Units deployed to outposts were often under constant threat of attack. Some posts like Musa Qala, where the main building was nicknamed 'The Alamo', withstood weeks of bombardment and assaults.

From a compact disc of multi-media associated with Royal Gurkha Rifles, Helmand, Afghanistan, 2006.