Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:08 | In just over a week, the city of Baghdad had been occupied by American forces. LTG Eric Wesley remembers the days following and the leadership shown to reinforce the Army's presence in Baghdad. Part 4 of 4
Keywords : M577 Armored Command Vehicle Baghdad Iraq Thunder Run Operation Iraqi Freedom incoming crater mortar command post (CP) leadership
LTG Wesley was deployed to Germany at the tail end of the Cold War where he was able to serve with the 1st Armored Division. He would have to sit out Desert Storm, but the experience gained during this time would be very valuable in the future.
We all remember that fateful morning of 2001, but it had a very different impact for those who would be going to battle as a result. LTG Wesley recalls the pivotal event and how Iraq was viewed before the invasion in 2003.
Preparations were being made in 2002 to move into Iraq, and LTG Wesley along with the Spartan Brigade were going to spend six months in Kuwait doing maneuvers. Anticipation rose as invasion seemed to be just around the corner, but it wasn't going to be like 1991's Desert Storm, this time they were going to Baghdad. Part 1 of 4
The time had come for the brigade to push into Iraq. Speed was the goal, but multiple challenges faced them including navigating the desert terrain and getting fuel to the tanks. LTG Wesley describes the strategic thoughts that went into pushing through southern Iraq on their way to Baghdad. Part 2 of 4
On the way through Iraq, LTG Wesley would have his first combat experience. Incoming fire as they moved through Iraqi villages generated plenty of adrenaline to carry them to Baghdad. However, their plan to siege the city was changed into something more difficult. Part 3 of 4
LTG Eric Wesley discusses some of the things he's learned about leadership and how good leadership can affect not only individuals, but large groups of people.
War has a huge affect on the psyche of those who experience it. LTG Wesley reflects not only on the horrors he's seen, but also on the compulsion that keeps people fighting.
LTG Eric Wesley discusses his upbringing and how he came to attend West Point. These are formative times for any young cadet, and Wesley recalls some of the big takeaways from his time there.
