MAJ Javier Bilbao served as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) Commander at Life Support Area (LSA) Anaconda in Balad, Iraq during 2005 and 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In this October 2009 interview, MAJ Bilbao discusses his quick transition from Brigade Logistics Officer (S4) to HHC Commander, the challenges of countering some units' tendency to stockpile supplies, getting used to constant enemy fire, and handling personnel conflicts. MAJ Bilbao concludes his interview with the observation that "A lot of the situation depends on your commander... a calm commander is probably the best; a calm, competent commander. That helped me develop my leadership style."

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