The medical platoon leader assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment's Headquarters and Headquarters Company - and overall part of 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division - Captain Chris Carlson had responsibilities as the medical planner for operations, personnel and patient administration, and logistical operations for the medical support of Task Force 2-2 Infantry, most prominently during Operation Phantom Fury (Al Fajr). Discussing his and his platoon's role in this November 2004 combined-joint operation to retake the Iraqi city of Fallujah, Carlson covers such topics as supply and medical evacuation routes and his working relationship with the battalion surgeon, Major (Dr.) Lisa DeWitt, and the physician assistant, Captain Gregory McCrum. "We made up a pretty good team as far as our outlook and what our vision and concept of support was medical wise that we wanted to and felt we should provide the battalion," Carlson explained. "So when we first found out about the mission, between the three of us, we talked about how we would like to see our support given to the battalion, and then we were able to come to a consensus and approach the battalion on our preferred courses of action. We let them know the parameters we needed as a medical platoon in order to provide that proper support we wanted to give." In this interview, Carlson also discusses how the medical section was task organized to support the combat phase of the operation and how, once the fighting began, medical support was administered. He also touches on the treatment provided to friendly Iraqi forces and offers a variety of insights into the use and adequate availability of Class VIII medical supplies during this decisive urban fight.

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