From January 2004 through March 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Major Jerry Diamond served initially as the logistics officer for the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion and then later as the commander of Alpha Company, 312th MI. In this interview, he discusses the conduct of combat operations in eastern Baghdad; the operation of the 1st Cavalry Division detention facility on Camp Victory; his primary tasks and operational tempo as first the S4 and then as company commander; the challenges of taking command in combat; the fact that they encountered a number of Hezbollah-affiliated Palestinians among the anti-coalition forces in country; his work with National Guard teams; as well as the experience of his company having five teams operating among over two million people in the Sadr City area, "most of whom," Diamond said, "wanted to kill us." Diamond additionally talks about the variety of intelligence assets employed; their understanding and application of the rules of engagement; the principal challenges he faced and the major accomplishments his company had; the necessity of more realistic training; and his experiences in the realm of family separation and support.

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