Major Chuck Palmer reported into the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) five months after returning from Iraq and was told on his first day that "in 28 days, you're going to Iraq." However, this time it was to be much different and shorter. His main responsibility was to coordinate the movement of a collection and analysis team (CAT) to, from and in theater. They would typically deploy for 20 to 30 days to gather information on lessons learned. While assigned to CALL, he went on three different CATs. The first was to Iraq to visit 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division - the first Stryker brigade combat team deployed to Iraq. The second one was to Afghanistan in April 2005 to collect information on integration with the 7th Special Forces Group. His last trip was back to Iraq to visit the 4th Infantry and 101st Airborne Divisions, the first modular force units used. Dealing with higher-ranking officers and the unpredictability of movement in theater taught him humility. There were many times when lieutenant colonels and colonels didn't understand the challenges of getting a 10-man team of individuals around theater and then home. However, he would recommend that the teams wait until the unit gets home to collect the information.

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