Major Matthew Koehler is a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point where he received his commission in May 1998. Koehler completed the Infantry Basic Course, was commissioned as an infantry officer and was assigned to 1-325, 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg. He then completed the career course and moved to Fort Hood for an assignment with the 4th Infantry Division. The 4th ID had deployed prior to his arrival, so Koehler completed predeployment training and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2003. The 4th ID was stationed at FOB Iron Horse, which is the main palace complex in Tikrit. Koehler discusses the situation upon arrival to the division staff and the current mindset of how the war was then progressing. Koehler was assigned as the battle captain for General Odierno's assault command post in Ba'qubah, which was also referred to as a Bradley command on the move (BCOTM). One of his taskers was to ensure that all components of the assault command post were continuously operational. During the course of the deployment, Koehler's mission was changed to assist in the synchronization of operations and the production of fragmentary orders. Around July 2003, Koehler noticed an increase in insurgent attacks. Koehler was the battle captain for the tactical operations center and his counterpart was on duty when Saddam Hussein was captured. He discusses his reaction, the general mood of the base and the security requirements and details that went into allowing elected US officials to visit the site where Saddam Hussein was captured. Koehler discusses the challenges he faced during the course of the deployment. Koehler had the opportunity to work with liaisons for the Air Force, the British and the Polish. He completed the pass down with his replacement from the 1st Infantry Division and redeployed in March 2004. Koehler also talks about the professional lessons learned and his recommendations.

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