LTC Barry Hon repeats a constant theme during his interview of the importance of careful planning prior to execution of critical events such as pre-mobilization train-up, mobilization, deployment and assumption of mission in Iraq. LTC Hon credits his staff with ensuring the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) met all deployment milestones on time and to standard due to thorough and careful staff planning. LTC Hon then praises the 1st Army efforts to facilitate effective coaching and mentoring for senior leaders, particularly for the brigade commander, during the pre-mobilization Aviation Training Exercise (ATX). LTC Hon then describes his interactions with the United States Forces-Iraq (USF-I) J33 Aviation Operations cell while conducting Corps-level aviation support. LTC Hon relates the importance of taking the Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) structured headquarters, and task organizing special cells and teams to support theater requirements. In his closing comments, LTC Hon notes the importance of the commander developing a theme and talking points to articulate the importance of the mission to unit Soldiers, and to highlight key accomplishments of the command.

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