Deploying to Iraq? Lessons from an infantry company commander

Infantry Magazine, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Daniel Morgan

Throughout this conflict, I discovered that most things taught in Army schools remain valid and worth remembering during my decision-making process. The most important factor that was reinforced to me that applies to everything discussed here is the necessity to conduct combat AARs after every patrol, whether there was contact or not. Second, troop leading procedures are vital, especially conducting a reconnaissance, rehearsals and building a terrain model, and supervising platoon and leader operation orders and rehearsals. Third, and most important, maintain an offensive spirit always. Look for the enemy to shoot at you, shoot back and kill or capture them. Bold leaders are dangerous and that is what you want in them as they fight this fight.

Editor's Note: Captain Morgan also provided some example TTPs and SOPs that he used while in Iraq that we did not print due to operations security (OPSEC) concerns. The examples along with a more comprehensive version of his article will be placed on the Infantry Magazine section of the Army Knowledge Online Web site. See page 53 for more information on the Web site.

Captain Daniel Morgan served as the company commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operation Iraqi Freedom.