My Legs were burning and my knees were aching, and that was only after two minutes of climbing an Afghanistan mountainside – an event that felt like two days.
Scouts from Apache Troop, 6/4 Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, were patroling outside their base, Combat Outpost Lowell in Nuristan Province. Lowell is the most attacked base in Afghanistan, so the steep climb was only one of many things to worry about as they made their way to check on a remote observation post.
Their heavy body armor, suited for the flat desert of Iraq, complicates mountain warfare. New vests are being distributed that weigh 10 lbs less, but Apache Troop seems to be last on the list to receive them.
We joined Apache on the patrol and talked to a platoon sergeant who told us insurgents in this area are becoming bolder.
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So, you are following the troops up the mountain while filming. Now that is the definition of being nimble. Be safe.