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CAL Case Studies

Case studies use historical scenarios to guide professional discussion and debate in pursuit of solutions to current real-world problems and leadership challenges.

Video Case Studies - 

Selfless Service

Introductory video on Selfless Service. Put the welfare of the Nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

Serving as an Army Civilian

Serving as an Army Professional

Serving Honorably

SFC MacDonald

Part 1: SFC MacDonald describes being a medic at Bucca Prison in Iraq, the largest detention facility in that country in 2005. He describes the hostile conditions and the violence within the perimeter. He was responsible as a medic to care both for the MPs in his unit and for the detainees. Medics gave proactive health-care even to insurgents. One day, a detainee is severely injured during a fight and his friends carry him to the fence. SFC MacDonald describes the conflict between his desire and Duty as a medic to treat the man bleeding out on the other side of the fence, and his Duty as a medic and a Soldier to not enter the perimeter until it is secure.

Part 2: SFC MacDonald follows his unit SOP and does not move in because the area is not secure, he would be exposing other US Soldiers to harm. He discusses watching the detainee bleed out. He followed safety first. SFC MacDonald also reflects on the responsibility as a medic to prioritize care and ensure that they also protect themselves as an asset.

SFC Schuler

Part 1: SFC Schuler describes being off duty and seeing Soldiers "downtown." One night he and a fellow NCO observed a Soldier from their unit. The first time they saw him they said "Hi" and moved on. They saw him at the end of the night and observed that he was extremely drunk and heading toward his car.

Part 2: SFC Schuler decides to help the Soldier by taking his keys and driving him home. He discusses how important it is to act in a situation like this. He also talks about what might have happened if he'd done nothing, and the different ways to take action in a situation like this (calling a cab versus driving the Soldier home, etc.) He shares what motivates him as a Soldier and an NCO.

SFC Thompson

Part 1: SFC Thompson talks about being asked to drive for a re-supply mission just before she redeployed. She agrees to the task. While on the way to the supported unit, the convoy is ambushed. One of the Turkish trucks is on fire and the driver is standing in the kill zone screaming for help. SFC Thompson is driving precious cargo and is ordered to "push through."

Part 2: SFC Thompson explains why she thought it was right to pick up this man. She asks, "What would I want someone to do for me?" SFC Thompson describes the challenges of doing the right thing even when worn down from a long deployment.

SGT Dee

Part 1: SGT Dee talks about the close relationship Soldiers have after a deployment. He describes his reluctance to correct Soldiers that he is close to, but he understands the need to demonstrate the proper Respect. SGT Dee describes what this Respect looks like off duty.

Part 2: SGT Dee explains the reasons it is wrong for a Soldier to come to work while under the influence of alcohol. He describes his actions with the Soldier. It is the responsibility of Soldiers to look out for one another. SGT Dee talks about showing Respect, whether or not we think people "deserve" it.

SGT Purchase

Part 1: SGT Purchase describes one of the female Soldiers in his Platoon whom he admired. She rose quickly into a leadership position and set the example for her Soldiers. After re-deployment, members of the unit move to different Army posts and positions. SGT Purchase finds out the female soldier had bone cancer, and later died. He weighs the decision to go to her funeral, realizing that his wife may misunderstand his motives for going and because financially it will be difficult.

Part 2: SGT Purchase discusses his choice to go to the funeral. He and his wife had to work through it and were able to find the financial means for both of them to go. The experience is very moving, as members of the unit came from all over. SGT Purchase's wife was able to understand the deep bonds developed between soldiers who face adversity alongside each other.

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Written Case Studies - 

"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.

"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.

"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.

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