1SG Randy Taylor, U.S. Army (2002-2023)

In 2006, I deployed to Iraq for my second 12-month tour, this time to Baghdad. I had previously been deployed to this theater in 2003 during the Initial Invasion but in Kirkuk. This time, my deployment experience has drastically changed with the counterinsurgency agenda, operating during the surge within a Sunni and Shia Faultline, as well as pinned up against the developing/ evolving use of IEDs and ambush techniques. Every patrol, either mounted or dismounted, would prove to be a gamble of committed forward movement within the muhallahs. Every Platoon operating within the Area of Operations was in tune with each other and shared in the concern and worry for elements leaving and entering FOB Falcon. Platoons and Sections on a mission would be met and sent off at the gates with supportive encouragement, and a couple of cigarettes as final pre-combat checks were being completed. I was a squad leader during this deployment and shouldered the safety and leadership of my M1114 truck crew, which included 1 gunner, 1 driver, and 2 dismounts.

My unit, 1^st Battalion, 18^th Infantry Regiment, lost many Soldiers to IEDs and complex ambushes, with many more sustaining wounds returning to duty. A 12-month rotational deployment extended to 15 months, and the pressures of uncertainty gripped me as I maneuvered and mounted to my raid locations. My biggest personal challenge was keeping a level head and a calm demeanor while leading my crew daily throughout this tumultuous time. I would sit in my truck before my Soldiers arrived and smoke a couple of cigarettes in deep thought, awaiting my PSG to arrive and give a ramp brief. I was battling depression, anxiety, sadness, fear and anger. I was not confident nor certain that I would bring these soldiers under my charge back home. It was difficult, to say the least, to fight an enemy who saturated the area of operations and did so from the cover of the civilian populace. No uniforms or distinguishing features until hostile intent was made, sparking a counter-reaction. I was always on edge, barking consistent reinforcement orders like an overly protective mother. Directing my crew to “watch that, cover that corner, move faster, get out of the open,” etc.… I did this every single day of that 15-month deployment.

My overall approach to overcoming this situation was to stay vigilant and dedicated to keeping myself ahead of a potentially bad situation. I was stressed out and worn out physically and emotionally, and I will be quite honest: I carried this back home after redeployment. Every decision I made, every door I breached, every street turn I took, every order I gave, and every civilian interaction I made without showing my back was deliberate and calculated. I did what was necessary to bring my Soldiers back, mutually support the other Squads in my Platoon, and make it back to my wife and kids. My efforts were fueled by the well-being and safety of others, which drove my commitment and ultimately enabled a relatively successful deployment with minimal loss.

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