Using a spanning wrench, Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, deputy commanding general (support), Multi-National Division-Baghdad and 1st Cavalry Division, prepares an artillery round prior to firing it from an M109A6 Paladin Howitzer R Camp Taji, Iraq, July 31. During a brief visit, Brooks took the opportunity to speak with Soldiers from the 1st "Dragon" Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment at their Paladin "hot gun" site. The Dragon's Paladin battery has fired more than 3,500 rounds in support of combat operations in theater since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation 06-08.