The Best Soldier 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."
The Effects of Hazing and Sexual Assault on the Army Profession 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.
The Family Plan 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.
The Honorable Service Sector 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.
The Mantle of Leadership 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."
The War Came to Her The firefight was between the Taliban and the Afghan security forces 70 miles north of CPT Maxwell's position. The available helicopters at the scene had already been in the air for six hours, and the pilots and crews were fatigued. CPT Maxwell had a decision to make.
"Black Hearts" Case Study: The Yusufiyah Crimes, Iraq, March 12, 2006 On March 12, 2006, five Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division abandoned their posts and headed to the village of Yusufiyah, located within their operational sector in Iraq. There the five Soldiers committed a brutal gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl, Abeer Qassim Hamza al-Janabi, and the simultaneous murder of her family. Fueled by alcohol confiscated from Iraqis, coupled with talk of revenge against the Iraqi people, the Soldiers directed their frustrations towards the family whom they rationalized were supporting their enemies, viewing them as scapegoats for the real and imagined suffering they were experiencing. View
"Hell No, I Won't Go" In May 2006, I proudly raised my right hand and joined the world's greatest fighting force, the United States Army. I finally achieved what I had worked so hard for through my four years of college, the rank of second lieutenant. View
"I Would Do It Exactly The Same Way" We saw a significant increase in enemy activity and attacks in the recent months along main supply route (MSR) TAMPA in Iraq. Tensions were high on the ground and in the air. Improvised explosive device (IED) attacks were all too common and we lost a few aircraft due to enemy activity. View