An Iraqi mortarman takes cover after launching his first 81mm round at a live fire exercise near Nasiriyah, Iraq, Aug. 24. The soldier from 1st Battalion, 40th Iraqi Army Brigade fired the round to culminate weeks of intense mortar skills training. The mortars provide indirect fire capability for Iraqi infantry assigned to 1st Battalion, 40th Iraqi Army Brigade. The 40th IA brigade is partnered with the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment "Steel Tigers" deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas. Photo by Maj. Myles Caggins