Soldiers from 173rd Airborne Battalion Combat Team, fire an M252 81mm Mortar System during training at the Joint Multinational Training Center. Soldiers equipped with Interceptor Alpha outer tactical vests, and LBE, protect their ears from the exploding sound, as smoke from the mortar fills the air. 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)