THE TENSION: Combat Camera: US Troops Clear Owja Desert, Iraq

A U.S. Army soldier posts guard for security while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. The soldiers are assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 327th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

U.S. Army Spc. Jason Hardman searches a home while his unit patrols and clears the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

U.S. Army soldiers walk through orchids while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

A local farmer carries fruit to give to U.S. Army soldiers as they clear the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Drew Hanson speaks to a local farmer about his crops while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hall, takes a minute to pet a puppy while on patrol in the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hall stops for a snack with a local Iraqi man while clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)