Colonel David C. Martino was the division artillery (DIVARTY) commander for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Mosul, Iraq from July 2003 until February 2004. During this time, the DIVARTY was primarily responsible under the Army of Excellence for fire support coordination and effects for the 101st Airborne Division, in addition to various security duties. They also had Phase IV tasks which included running the Veteran's Employment Office (VEO) in Mosul as well as smaller tasks in local villages. Using commander's emergency response program (CERP) money, the VEO was rebuilt from the ground up using Iraqi labor and then quickly put into operation to help Iraqi citizens get back to work. Martino felt that his troops had very high morale. He also praised their ability to communicate both digitally and by voice. Although they had about a half dozen interpreters, they could have used more. Further, a "cultural interpreter," someone who thoroughly understood the religious divisions and the tribal structure, would have been immensely helpful, Martino said. Martino did not have any embedded reporters and felt that without the embedded media, the news was skewed. In terms of resources, he strongly recommends that the Army invest in their most valuable asset, the soldier, and make sure that every soldier as the proper protective gear.

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