Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
7:47 | Chris Valentine recounts his time going to school at West Point and transitioning into leadership within the Army. He remembers a few specific instances where his leadership skills were particularly challenged.
Keywords : West Point officer training leadership Don't Ask Don't Tell insubordination helping North Carolina problems command court martial
Chris Valentine recalls the procurement process that he and his team had to go through to get arms equipment to the Iraqi government. Because of the Congressional approval required, there was often bureaucracy that needed to be cleared in order for things to happen.
Chris Valentine recounts the threats that they would encounter on a daily basis and the procedures they would follow when it happened. The long work weeks and constant barrage of munitions took a toll on many of the guys.
Chris Valentine remembers the types of projects that they did for the Baghdad police force that needed help in the area. He also recalls the private security firms such as Blackwater that he came across while stationed in Iraq.
Chris Valentine recalls his assignment to Fort Rucker and the responsibilities that came with that. After that, he had the chance to go to Saudi Arabia in foreign military services.
Chris Valentine remembers coming home with less pomp & frill than most other commands because of the specific nature of their deployment, which made transitioning back into civilian life a lot easier.
