Sgt. Edwin McGinity, left, provides information to Spcs. Ivan Vargas, far left, and Gareth Warner on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13, 2009. The Soldiers are infantry mortarmen assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team.

A westward view from an observation tower on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13.

Spcs. Ricky Olivo, left, and Vincent Cutler assume a protective posture as a 120 mm mortar round is launched from the tube during a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13. The Soldiers are deployed with 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Edwin McGinity, left, provides information to Spcs. Ivan Vargas, far left, and Gareth Warner on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13. The Soldiers are infantry mortarmen assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team.

A view down "Skid Row" on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13. The area known as "Skid Row" is the primary berthing area for Soldiers living on the COP, and is heavily fortified with sandbags, Hesco barriers, and large metal boxes that are used for living areas.

Pfc. Daniel Nededog prepares 120 mm mortar rounds for a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 13. Nededog is deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team.

Pfc. Kendall Travis, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team, observes mortar rounds hitting their target on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12.

Sgt. Brian Phillips, A Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team, disposes of a body part from an insurgent found after a recent attack on Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12.

Spc. Matthew King, left, and Sgt. Edwin McGinity of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team, wait for a mortar fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12.

Soldiers from 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team, operate a 120 mm mortar system on Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12. Some of the Soldiers are standing on the mortar's base plate in an effort to seat it securely to ensure accuracy during fire missions.

Spc. Matthew King, left, and Sgt. Edwin McGinity, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/509 Infantry (Abn.), 4/25 Brigade Combat Team, operate an 81 mm mortar system during a fire mission on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12.

An overhead view of the southeast corner of Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12.

Hesco barriers are stacked high and close on Combat Outpost Zurok, Afghanistan, July 12.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Drew Hill, 1st Platoon Leader, 166 Engineer Company (Vertical), reads a book during some down time in the day on Combat Outpost Zerok, Afghanistan, July 12.