The last five years have seen a sharp increase in the use of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in Afghanistan. According to figures leaked last month, the number of IEDs increased from 308 in 2004 to 7,155 last year; a total of 16,000 were planted in those five years, killing at least 7,000 Afghan civilians. Guardsman James 'Steveo' Stephenson (pictured) is “Vallon Man”. The Vallon is the metal detector used to sweep for bombs.
Photograph: Stuart Webb