Major Bobby Haskin served as the battle major for 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and as the chief of operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2005 to November 2006. Haskin was in an ROTC assignment teaching at Western Michigan University when he received a phone call directing him to report to Fort Carson in three weeks to begin his predeployment training. During the predeployment training, there was no aviation unit, so they coordinated with the Air Force air liaison officer and fixed-wing assets to become familiar with these assets and how they would be used in theater. They also completed additional training at the National Training Center and attended cultural and language training from Iraqi expats. The division pushed its equipment to the port for shipment to Kuwait and made the movement over. After arriving in Kuwait, everyone received additional training. Some of the soldiers attended the COIN Academy while others made the movement into Iraq. Haskin discusses the movement into Iraq and the relief in place/transfer of authority. While in Iraq, Haskin had several tasks and people he directly reported to. Having an aviation background proved to be very useful to help navigate the rules the UAVs fell under. During the course of the deployment, the use for UH60s and Chinooks increased to assist in operations. Haskin talks about the challenges that arose within deconflicting airspace. Haskin had the opportunity to work with a Navy EOD unit and a naval electronic warfare officer, both of which assisted the staff immensely. They were co-located with the Georgians and they were responsible for securing two bridges within their zone. Whenever possible, the US forces would provide the Georgians with equipment and improved their quality of living. Haskins also offers his lessons learned and recommendations.

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