Soldiers, from 173rd Airborne Battalion Combat Team, equipped with Interceptor Alpha outer tactical vests, and LBE, prepare the M252 81mm mortar system for live fire during training, at the Joint Multinational Training Center. In the background, smoke fills the air from a fired M252 81mm mortar system. The 173rd Airborne Battalion Combat Team are training together for the first time since their transformation into a BCT and in preparation for deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Army photo by Gary l. Kieffer) (Released)