U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates Visits Former Taliban Village

Colonel David Flynn walks toward Tabin Village in Kandahar Province with reporters who are covering Secretary Gates' visit, March 8, 2011

Secretary Gates' delegation walking along the road in Tabin

Speaker placed in a tree carries the Muezzin's call, March 8, 2011

Secretary Gates poses for a photo with village elders in Tabin, March 8, 2011

Secretary Gates asks a question during a briefing by the local police chief in Tabin

Afghan children watch from their doorway as Secretary Gates goes by

U.S. Marines stand near the memorial to their 29 comrades who have been killed since they deployed to the Sangin District of Helmand Province in October

An Afghan soldier stands guard along the road as Secretary Gates walked to and from Tabin Village

Secretary Gates receives a briefing from village elders and local policemen in Tabin

An Afghan soldier stands guard as local children watch Secretary Gates' delegation walk by in Tabin Village

Secretary Gates listens as a village elder discuses changes in Tabin since U.S. troops arrived and helped establish the local police force

Secretary Gates administers a reenlistment oath to a U.S. soldier during his visit to Combat Outpost Kowall near Tabin village

Major General Richard Mills greets Secretary Gates at Kandahar Airfield

Secretary Gates greets Lieutenant Colonel Jason Morris at Combat Outpost Kowell - DOD Photo by Cherie Cullen

Secretary Gates speaks to troops at Kandahar Airfield, March 8, 2011