＜正＞ The infantry soldiers start their missions directly in frontof our medical aid tent.They assemble in full"battle-rattle"—armored vests,Kevlar helmets with night-vision goggles,and a combat load of assault weapons,grenades,and explosives.In the past year as a flight surgeonhere,I’ve become accustomed to the air of bravado,determination,courage,and fear as they head out to fight.Asthe Quick Reaction Force,they respond to local security threatsor news of high-value enemy targets.They climb aboardChinook and Blackhawk helicopters while assault Apachesprovide cover overhead.On most nights,the soldiers returnunharmed,and it makes me proud to hear their muffledfootsteps on the gravel as they shuffle back to their hootches.
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