Martin and his squad were walking on patrol when villagers, who had been going about their business, suddenly vanished from view.

WSJ: When the Fighting Stops: Troops Coming Home from Afghanistan

Sometimes, that participation is minimal: Afghan soldiers might be walking on a patrol through a village in eastern Afghanistan, but that patrol was planned, supplied, and protected by the Americans.

NEWYORKER: After America

Walking point for the patrol, Lance Cpl.

WSJ: Meanwhile, in the War in Afghanistan...