Photo Journal: US reservist

I carry an M16 rifle and recently we've been assigned a 9mm handgun for personal protection. Outside the base we wear body armour and helmet.

I've fired only five rounds since I arrived here, to blow out the tires of a truck whose occupants were looting a hospital.

With the nature of our work, which mainly takes place inside buildings, the M16 is not that suitable a weapon. I'd prefer an M4, which is shorter and less cumbersome.