Helmet cam combat footage recorded on Mar. 5, 2010, in the Bedraou valley of Kapissa Province in eastern Afghanistan shows French infantry troops of the 13th Chasseurs Alpins battalion (13e BCA), 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade finishing a presence patrol when they come under heavy enemy fire.

The French troops return fire, but smartly maneuver out of the kill zone. Over the next several minutes they fight to gain a dominant, high ground position so as not to be picked off by the enemy.

Something that is hard to perceive from watching the video is the physical demand placed on these soldiers. They had just finished a several hour patrol, so they are already tired and worn down. Now they have to ascend steep terrain at a rapid pace, laden with heavy gear at an elevation where even the most physically fit have to fight for every breath of air.