Major Shawn Schuldt, a quartermaster officer, commanded the Headquarters Main Support Company, 528th Special Operations Support Battalion, from December 2001 through June 2003, and during this time served around Kirkuk in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Schuldt begins his interview by explaining how his unit is organized, what its capabilities are and the range of special operations forces which they are expected to support. Much of the battalion was made up of reservists, but Schuldt explains that the continuous deployment of detachments and companies since 9/11 improved their reputation, especially with the maintenance support they could offer based upon their civilian professions. In February 2003, his unit deployed to Jordan where they supported special operations in the vicinity of Kirkuk. The ability to buy equipment from the Jordanian economy provided a great support capability to the special operations. He notes that a unit must be prepared to support unexpected detachments because the support and guidance from their normal organizational structure may be limited or nonexistent. He closes by stating that any training outside a soldier's specialty is good and cross training amongst the specialties was invaluable.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited