Major Dave May, US Air Force, served as the JSOTF-HOA J1 from November 2003 through February 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA). May's predeployment training consisted of refresher training on the M9 and chemical warfare. Personally, he focused on preparing his wife for the long deployment, maintained physical fitness and packed reading material for the flight. Looking back, he would have taken the time to read more joint doctrine and better understand the structure of a joint force command. Prior to deployment, May was able to get in contact with the person he would be replacing for additional information as to his tasks and mission. Once he arrived at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, the command was not prepared for his arrival which gave May a week to adjust to the time change and climate. May received his handoff and made a few changes to improve the process and capabilities of the J1. He adjusted quickly to supporting a joint command which was primarily made up of Army personnel. There were also some tensions between the active duty and the Reserve/Guard and what skills you have to support the joint command. May talks about the challenges he faced during the deployment. May was able to go into Djibouti and interact with the local population. May worked with the Department of State to obtain country clearances and visas when senior leaders traveled. He discusses command support and the different leadership styles. May discusses his redeployment back to the States and the benefit of bring a passport. He also offers his lessons learned and recommendations.

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