California Army National Guard Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1ST Battalion, 185th Armor, 81st Armor Brigade, prepare for an upcoming area reconnaissance on Sept. 6, 2004 around Balad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. One Soldier makes contact with a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System atop a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle while another Soldier keeps ready with an MK48 Light Machine Gun for cover. The area recon is to deny anti-Iraqi forces the freedom to operate and move throughout the countryside. (U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF Sergeant Shane A. Cuomo) (Released)