The sound of tires crunching over gravel echoes through the mountainous terrain as the convoy of MATVs snakes along the narrow, dusty road. Inside the lead vehicle, Major Daniels grips the radio handset, his sharp eyes scanning the ridgelines above. His voice comes through steady but firm.

Major Daniels: "All units, eyes up. We're in choke-point territory. Intel suggests enemy activity in this sector—stay sharp. Let's not get caught with our pants down."

From the gunner's turret of the second vehicle, Sergeant Parker scans the horizon through his mounted .50 cal.

Sergeant Parker (over comms): "Copy that, Major. Got nothin' yet. Just rocks, dust, and a goat staring at me funny. Probably Taliban recon."

Corporal Diaz: "Goats are everywhere, Parker. Focus. If you miss an RPG heading our way, I’m taking that turret myself."

The convoy slows as they near a small village. Children play by the road, and a few locals stand watching with guarded expressions. Private Hall, sitting in the back of the fourth vehicle, shifts nervously.

Private Hall (quietly): "Why do they always stare like that? Gives me the creeps every time."

Corporal Diaz: "Because they know something we don’t, rookie. Keep your head in the game."

The radio crackles as Major Daniels’ voice cuts in again.

Major Daniels: "Driver, ease up. We’re too bunched. Gun trucks, keep a wide formation. Everyone, stay alert."

The tension is palpable as the convoy continues through the village, the MATVs rattling. Suddenly, a distant, sharp whistle pierces the air. A split second later, the world erupts into chaos -- Boom! An IED detonates under the lead vehicle, flipping it onto its side. Dust and smoke fill the air as insurgents open fire from the cliffs above.

Sergeant Parker (yelling): "Contact left! RPGs and small arms! Returning fire!"

Major Daniels (over comms): "All units, dismount! Provide suppressing fire! Gunners, light up those ridges—keep ‘em pinned down! Medics, I need status on Alpha One now!"