An illumination round is fired from a 120 mm mortar system in support of Operation Pathfinder, Feb. 18, at Combat Outpost Barrow, Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The 120 mm mortars are manned by the mortarmen of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced). Serving as the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, 3/8 is the only unit in the Marine Corps employing the 120 mm mortar system. SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. Operation Pathfinder was a strategically planned joint operation conducted by U.S. Marines and the ANP to target suspected insurgents and improvised explosive device-making cells in southern Afghanistan Jan. 28 through March 7.