Lieutenant Colonel Scott Kendrick was deployed to Iraq for almost 14 months from January 2004 to February 2005 and was initially the battalion executive officer for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, a tank battalion in 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. During his last seven months in country, he served as the 2nd Brigade operations officer. Kendrick begins by discussing the predeployment training his unit underwent at the National Training Center for six weeks in high-intensity combat situations. In the area around Baghdad International Airport, the threat of the insurgency in Iraq was constant, although there were peaks and valleys of activity, including IED and mortar attacks, and some ambushes and VBIEDs. Improving the survivability and crew protection became a major concern and a growing problem. This intensified as interacting with the Iraqi population became more dangerous after the local functioning Iraqi council disintegrated under insurgent pressure. Kendrick comments on the rules of engagement and how they were liberal enough to allow soldiers and junior leaders to take care of themselves. He also comments on the collaboration between international forces, as well as between the Army and other US forces, especially the Marine Corps. Finally, Kendrick talks about how important it is for a commander to be clear in their intent and make sure the job is done correctly. He said the current organization of staffs makes it very hard to do so, and he would work on improving that communication problem.

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