Sir Michael said he was giving "very close consideration" to deploying 3 Commando Brigade, currently on exercises in Oman and the UK's specialist winter and mountain warfare troops, inside Afghanistan.

BBC: UK troops set for Afghan role

But even these are inexperienced in mountain warfare.

ECONOMIST: Russia

The district no longer includes a naval weapons station, Army fort, or a Marine mountain-warfare training center.

NEWYORKER: The Force

With its Mountain Dew Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Double XP promotion now concluded, the drink maker has kicked off another videogame promotion with its Brisk Iced Tea.

FORBES: Connect

The soft drink maker partnered with Activision to deliver gamers Double XP to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 players through specially marked bottles of Mountain Dew beverages throughout the launch window.

FORBES: Connect