Spc. Koffi Assila, a cargo specialist and native of Africa, mounts the .50-caliber machine gun prior to the start of their mission from Bagram Air Field to Forward Operating Base Fenty. His job requires him to maintain constant eyesight on the road, the debris and trash, the caves in the mountains and the rooftops of houses. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. V. Michelle Woods/Released)