All Trought about politic at Ukraine

OUTPOST SPUR, Afghanistan - Eight soldiers based in upstate Fort Drum are perched atop a 7,000-foot mountain - and they are constantly on high alert.

This is one of Afghanistan's tiniest outposts, high in the rugged peaks of Logar Province, about 100 miles south of Kabul.

Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, along with an Afghan interpreter, spend 10 days at a time here living in a small metal container airlifted in by helicopter.

They sleep on cramped bunk beds, eat MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat), shower with water bottles.

And they watch for any sign of insurgents.

"You see everything up here," said Pvt. Rob Gardner, 20, of Trenton, N.J.

The soldiers from the division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment's 3rd Platoon have a stunning 360-degree view of the villages below.

"We can see the whole thing up here," said Sgt. Lloyd Taylor, 29, of Bennett, Colo. "Helicopters call in and ask us what's going on. We can radio in for support."

There's plenty to do at this remote outpost, keeping the radios working, the weapons ready. On their off time, the soldiers mostly sleep.

"Because anything can happen at any time," Taylor explained. "We try and get as much sleep as we can."

It's not the most pleasant place to be, especially during the harsh winter months, but the guys don't complain.

"It's quiet and nobody bothers us too much," Taylor said. "It's kinda like a break for the guys. They actually argue over who gets to come up."

That's apparently the main drawback of being here - coming up.

The hike up the steep mountain is grueling, especially with body armor and heavy rucksacks on their backs. And the altitude is unforgiving.

"It can kick you in the butt," Taylor said.

The reward, once you're up, is a spectacular view.

"You can literally watch the moon come up, and the sunrise," said Pfc. Franz Marti, 21, of New Ulm, Minn. "That's something to see."