Another group of Canadian troops left for Afghanistan this morning. About 110 soldiers departed from the Edmonton Garrison for the volatile region around Kandahar where they'll help with rebuilding and security.

The six-month mission has been described by Canada's Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier as dangerous but necessary.

The troops will form a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) to provide security for communities trying to rebuild. Their tasks will include training local police and soldiers, patrolling Kandahar's streets, as well as ensuring that international supplies get through.

Another group of soldiers left last Tuesday and more will be departing later this month as well. About 2,000 Canadian troops will be serving in Afghanistan by February.

This mission marks the first time Canadians have returned to Kandahar since 2002, when four Edmonton-based soldiers were killed in a friendly fire incident.

One of those who departed today from CFB Edmonton is Corporal Jerry Tetreault, who is leaving for his first tour of duty.

"My main mission is security. I'm a gunner so I will be more of a watch over activities around me," he told Canada AM.

Tetreault's fiancée Cheri Daly says she is proud of her husband-to-be but would prefer that he not tell her too much about what he's experiencing once he's there on the ground.

"Most of the time I don't really like to hear about it, because it kind of gets very nerve-racking at times," she said. "But I am thankful that he does keep me informed. As well, the whole infantry does keep the families informed. And we're very thankful for that as well."

Critics of the PRT mission warn that Canadian soldiers could face dangers in Kandahar similar to those seen by American forces in Iraq. Kandahar is widely known as a main stronghold for Taliban and suspected Al Qaeda operatives.

U.S. officials predict the fighting in Afghanistan will intensify in the coming months as al Qaeda and Taliban fighters attempt to destabilize national assembly elections scheduled for September.

Canada's elite Joint Task Force 2 commandos are expected to provide protection for the team, although Department of Defence officials are refusing to provide details or even confirm their participation.

Hillier says that Canadian soldiers will not directly hunt for Taliban guerrillas but they might encounter them. Earlier this month, Hillier called the militants "murderers and scumbags," who "detest" the freedoms and liberties enjoyed by citizens of democracies.

He said Canada is already a terrorist target by virtue of its status as a democratic member of the Western alliance. He said Canada can't let fear of reprisal stop it from confronting the threat.