Witness: Afghan Firefight

It's just after midnight and I am in the back of a helicopter, pinned against the wall by the burly arms of the soldiers on either side of me. We are in darkness save for the stripes of moonlight illuminating the door gunners. I'm tagging along with the 1-501rst Infantry Battalion as they conduct a raid on the Afghan town of Babo Kheyl. It's my first night operation and I'm digesting the nuggets I've gleaned about Babo Kheyl. Taliban stronghold. Surrounded by muddy trenches. And my favorite -- armed to the teeth.