Great leaders are the backbone of the Army Profession, and their decisions negate the success or failure of every mission. Having served under General Ray Odierno and COL (Retired) Jim Hickey, LTC (Retired) Russell said he was fortunate to have great leadership that allowed him to independently lead, but also knew when to "pull in on the leash."

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his platoon raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. Justin not a witness to this act, but once told about it by a fellow Soldier he reported the incident. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of serving honorably.

The following video is an excerpt from Stand Strong: Serving Honorably in Combat.

Our task force deployed to Kuwait in November 2002 in support of Operation DESERT SPRING. Essentially, we were part of a brigade combat team deployed to deter Iraqi aggression. Despite this deterrence mission, everyone in the brigade knew we would make up part of the invasion force to topple the Iraqi regime once the President made the decision to go to war.

After a long series of unfortunate events, SSG Koschtial deliberates whether to update his family plan for the sake of his daughter and remain in the Army, or leave the Army altogether.

SPC Jarett Wright was hazed and sexually assaulted while deployed to Iraq in 2010. He is sharing his story to prevent similar acts from happening to others.

Dean and I were newly-minted lieutenants assigned to separate battalions in the same brigade. We went to college together, graduated airborne school and the officer basic course together, and he was a frequent guest at my my dinner table.

After his deployment to Iraq where he was a sniper team leader, SGT Powers noticed his attitude and the way he responded to the ins and outs of daily life had changed. The Soldiers in his unit and his leadership noticed, too. With the unwavering support from his chain of command, SGT Powers was able to work through the issues and says, "I'm better now."

My team leader and I caught an HVT (high value target). We were not part of the raid element, but we were assigned as the outer cordon element and my squad leader was pretty upset about it. So, he was sitting in the humvee sulking and getting all upset. Instead of saying, "It's the mission, we need to do the right thing" - he was upset about it. So, my team leader and I were out in the courtyard and caught the guy (the HVT) coming over the wall. It was kind of the right place at the right time. And at the end of the day, the Squad Leader has to report to the First Sergeant and he tells him, "my guys were sitting in the humvee sulking, and I was on the other side of this wall and caught this guy. He landed in my lap and I caught him." "He was decorated and given a coin by General Petreaus. That's wrong. The fact that he would lie about it. So, you were put into a situation of - do you lie to cover up for this guy? Where do your loyalties lie?

Fred Wintrich was a battalion executive officer just before the surge in Iraq. His unit operated in a hotly contested area, averaging 11 direct fire contacts a day over the entire deployment. Before taking leave, he handed his responsibilities to the S3, MAJ Rob Salome.

I witnessed a Drill Sergeant (DS) in my unit circumvent the Army's system to steal over $7,000 dollars. DS Whales was an outstanding non-commissioned officer. He was assigned to a Training Post and loved his job. He enjoyed very much being a Soldier, training Soldiers, and above all, being a Drill Sergeant.

CDT Kelly Kingma reported her tactical NCO for unprofessional conduct. After several investigations, it was found that he photographed and filmed females without their knowledge and consent. He pled guilty to one charge and eight specifications of a violation of Article 120 of military law for "indecent acts." She is sharing her story to help leaders understand the importance of supporting those who come forward with an allegation of wrongdoing.

CDT Kelly Kingma reported her tactical NCO for unprofessional conduct. After several investigations, it was found that he photographed and filmed females without their knowledge and consent. He pled guilty to one charge and eight specifications of a violation of Article 120 of military law for "indecent acts." As a two time Ironman finisher there is no doubt Cadet Kelly Kingma is "tough." Throughout this two year ordeal the harsh criticism she received from her peers for reporting a competent and well liked career NCO for these unprofessional acts bothered her most. She is sharing her story to help leaders understand the importance of supporting those who come forward with an allegation of wrongdoing.

During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I, I commanded a tank company in the Third Infantry Division. After the Division seized Baghdad, we remained in the city for approximately six weeks. The city was relatively peaceful compared to the violence levels of 2005-2007.

SSG John Diem served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed four times during his 11 years in this unit. He is sharing his story to help others understand and effectively deal with combat stress.

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Mahmudiyah, Iraq which was one of the three corners known as the Triangle of Death. The Triangle of Death was arguably the most dangerous region in Iraq. It was patrolled by just 1000 U.S. Soldiers who coped with more than a hundred attacks against them each week. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of being equipped to leverage mental, emotional, and physical skills in order to overcome adversity.

I was an Airman assigned to a Special Operations Element (SOE). I spent most of my career as a SOF Enabler and enjoyed working in this environment. As on previous operations, we found ourselves at an undisclosed location prosecuting the Global War on Terrorism.

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his platoon raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. Justin not a witness to this act, but once told about it by a fellow Soldier he reported the incident. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of serving honorably.

SSG John Diem served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his unit raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. SSG Diem was not a witness of this act, but was told about it by a junior Soldier. He reported the incident to his higher headquarters. He is sharing his story to share his thoughts on the role of an NCO as a Steward of the Army Profession.

Part 1: SSG Spaid describes one of his Soldiers who was having a hard time after deployment. The Soldier has resorted to drinking. One night SSG Spaid receives a phone call that he had tried to jump off a balcony while drunk. Someone needs to go to the ER to sit with him and the MPs until he sobers up. SSG Spaid has already signed out on leave.

Part 2: SSG Spaid relates back to his actions, for him, it was an easy decision. He describes the conclusion of the evening and how the Soldier needed help and counseling. SSG Spaid discusses the impact on his wife and how sometimes the family has to "come second."

Part 1: SSG Miner talks about the importance of doing the right thing as an Aviation mechanic, and about the trust pilots have in the mechanics to do the right thing. There is a lot of pressure to make sure that aircrafts are up and running. As a result, many people take shortcuts. At one point, SSG Miner comes across another mechanic who DID take a shortcut.

Part 2: SSG Miner talks about why it is so important to do the right thing and give an honest report. He discusses the implications of making a mistake and the burden of reporting and keeping proper records. He says that the job should be done right the first time.

Part 1: SSG Miner talks about the importance of doing the right thing as an Aviation mechanic, and about the trust pilots have in the mechanics to do the right thing. There is a lot of pressure to make sure that aircrafts are up and running. As a result, many people take shortcuts. At one point, SSG Miner comes across another mechanic who DID take a shortcut.

Part 2: SSG Miner talks about why it is so important to do the right thing and give an honest report. He discusses the implications of making a mistake and the burden of reporting and keeping proper records. He says that the job should be done right the first time.

Part 1: SSG Huntley describes losing his Platoon Leader to a sniper in Iraq. The Platoon later finds out where the sniper is living, and plans a deliberate raid to kill or capture him. SSG Huntley talks about his desire for vengeance and his doubt whether the Iraqi justice system would punish the sniper. He discusses the possibility of killing the sniper in his house regardless of whether or not he tries to surrender.

Part 2: SSG Huntley and his Platoon are able to capture the sniper. He describes the restraint they showed and how the sniper confessed to the killing, and was later sentenced by the Iraqi courts.

"Sometimes the expected course of action, although legal and justified, is not the most honorable option."

SSG Green describes his deployment to Iraq and his close friendship with SSG Shaffer. While SSG Green is on QRF, he learns that SSG Shaffer has hit an IED 'and has no radio communication' SSG Green responds and saves his friend.

Part 1: SSG Bell describes a mission in Afghanistan when his Company was ambushed. The unit is moving toward an Afghan village together with their Afghan National Army comrades. While moving through a valley, they are ambushed and begin to withdraw. Two Afghan Soldiers are left behind, and one of them is wounded. SSG Bell spots them trying to move back under fire.

Part 2: SSG Bell relates that he grabbed the ATV and moved through the kill zone to pick up the ANA Soldiers. They make it safely back, and that night the ANA Commander invites the US Soldiers over for dinner. SSG Bell discusses the mission impact of his decision and how relations between his unit and the Afghan forces improved.