Major Doug Hayes served on a military transition team (MiTT) as a maneuver advisor and the field artillery and effects advisor for 2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from April 2007 until March 2008. Hayes volunteered for the deployment and reported to Fort Riley to meet the members of the MiTT and begin predeployment training. In this two-part interview, he discusses the training that was the most helpful and what additional training would have better prepared the MiTT. After the movement over, the team completed additional training at the Phoenix Academy which would also be near their location for this deployment. Hayes discusses the pros, cons and recommendations to improve the training program in Kuwait and the Phoenix Academy. During this deployment, the MiTT was living with their Iraqi counterparts, which was an advantage for Hayes. The MiTT received logistical support from 1-7 CAV to include additional vehicles and personal for convoys. The team had plenty of interpreters to assist with communication. The team evaluated their Iraqi counterparts' strengths and weaknesses, and spent most of the year conducting operations. Hayes discusses the Iraqi unit's leadership abilities and experiences, and how the local nationals viewed them. The leadership was also able to discuss the sectarian makeup of their division and within the Taji area. Corruption was visible to the MiTT and the Iraqi Army and Hayes discusses how they worked together to overcome the problem. Hayes discusses his responsibilities, duties and what a typical day for him consisted of. Hayes was able to work with other services with the US military, in addition to working with coalition forces. The team had contact with the media, which was interested in the training of the Iraqi Army and integration amongst the civilian population. The Iraqi Army took time to train members of the Sons of Iraq on searches and convoys. After the handoff, the team redeployed back to Fort Riley. Hayes offers his lessons learned and recommendations based on this deployment.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited