On a scorching August day, a convoy rolled down the streets of a small town littered with junk so pervasive that one could consider the village a large flea market. Its mission was to escort the town's mayor to meet with the provincial governor.

When paratroopers reached the mayor's office, they set up a defensive perimeter. A platoon leader with an interpreter by his side proceeded to the mayor's office.

This is how the combat patrol exercise unfolded for Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, at the Joint Readiness Training Center Aug. 5.

These Fort Bragg, N.C.-based paratroopers were sharpening their skills in a hostile environment to prepare for their upcoming deployment in support of the War on Terror.