[August 24, 2021] In September, I will publish my first book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq.” This is an advanced book announcement. When my book hits the stores, it will be first available for your Kindle device. You can read it on other electronic devices as well. And a paperback version will come out as well.
[Update] Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Longest-Year-Iraq-Construction/dp/1737915510/
Below is an exert from a chapter on how we moved about the battlefield. The book tells the story of my first combat tour in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division. It’s about how small, highly motivated units can make a difference. It’s also about leadership under the most trying conditions.
At the beginning of my book, I quote General George S. Patton, “Better to fight for something than live for nothing…” Apt quote to begin this essay on the early part of the Iraq War; we were getting our bearings and trying to understand this ancient land and its people.
Regular readers of my blog know that I’m an American patriot and proudly so. Being around, so many Veterans growing up and serving with the U.S. Army for 40 years makes it difficult not to be a patriot. I encourage you to read my book and to submit an honest review. My hope is that I can paint a picture of a soldier on the battlefield and not get hung up on the politics of war.
Moving about the Battlefield
After being in Iraq for four days, on 13 March, we conducted our first convoy from our base camp at Victory to Camp Taji. Taji was a 45-minute drive north and the largest 1st Cav contingent outside of Baghdad.
This base was once the home to Saddam’s elite Republican Guard divisions and home to Saddam’s chemical weapons research, manufacture, and storage facilities. The base also had a small airfield used for rotary-wing American UH-60 Blackhawks and AH-64 Apache Attack helicopters.
Coalition forces (primarily U.S.) occupied the west side, while Iraqi Army units occupied the east with two checkpoints, one north and one south. There was no vetting of who joined the Iraqi army ranks and no control over their behavior that we could see.
It was a thrill to “lock and load” our weapons while exiting the Entry Control Point and travel at high speed northward along Iraq’s main roadway, Highway 1. The traffic was heavy at times (good news as it represented an improving economy). Still, so many cars and trucks on the road made it difficult to identify car bombs that could run up beside you and explode.
This convoy was my first into “Indian Country,” where death would meet you suddenly and where you learned never to fully trust the common Iraqi army soldier as insurgents infiltrated them. I learned that “speed saves,” a reference to the fact it was hard for car bombs or snipers to hit you if you travel fast.
I will come back to this topic once the book shows up on Amazon. Thank you all for your encouragement and help in getting this book off the ground.
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- UPDATE: I changed the cover of my book and the title to make it more attractive.
- NOTE: I still have other electronic books here: https://www.theleadermaker.com/the-green-book/
Oh, nice change. Hey, Gen. Satterfield, I hope your book is a big hit. I’ll certainly buy your book and encourage others to do so, as well. I know my dad will buy one. He’s a fan of the US Army and our troops.
Look forward to reading it. Congratulations!! 👍👍👍👍
Great news, congrats. Don’t forget to tell us when the book comes out in paperback. I’m a paperback kind of guy. No online stuff for reading serious stuff. Thanks.
Are there advanced copies of the book available?
Can they be sent out to us?
Can you put more on your website for us to read in advance?
😊
Probably no advanced copies. I haven’t seen this technique used in a long time. Mostly they allow the book to be downloaded to Kindle for free for a short period of time. If Gen. Satterfield notifies us in time, we will be able to get a free copy. Typically for that free copy, he will ask for an honest review.
Hi Emma. There are no advanced copies but I will have it available for download, free, on Amazon for a short period of time. I’ll post the book’s opening here. Don’t miss out.
Thank you, sir. We look forward to reading your book. And, thanks for responding.
Nice!
I want to read more about Saddam Hussein’s WMD program. Is that in your new book?
Will there be exposure of some of Saddam’s secrets? Classified information? Go for it. Congratulations, Gen. Satterfield. Please notify us of the date it hits the shelves.
Most of that is probably classified by the military and I’m sure Gen. Satterfield will not be giving up any classified info.
Let me also add my congratulations along with others here. Keep up the great work you are doing sir!
“This convoy was my first into “Indian Country,” where death would meet you suddenly and where you learned never to fully trust the common Iraqi army soldier as insurgents infiltrated them. I learned that “speed saves,” a reference to the fact it was hard for car bombs or snipers to hit you if you travel fast. ” This is a great example. If the rest of the book is like this, then I’m sure I will enjoy it as well.
You got that right, Dead Pool Guy. I’ve been a long time reader of this blog and anything by Gen. Satterfield interests me. Let’s hope the book comes out sooner rather than later. I can’t wait.
More by Gen. Satterfield. Making my day once again. Are we tired of winning yet, with Gen. S?
“Indian Country,” not PC and I love it.
Good news for us all. Be sure to send us a link on Amazon or wherever the book is sold. I will surely get a copy and maybe a few others to hand out to my kids.
Congrats. I hope and wish to read about some butt kicking.
Wow, a book. I sure look forward to reading anything by Gen. Satterfield or by those he recommends. I know Gen. S does a lot of book reviews (haven’t read one in a while). Now is the time for us to read more about what he did during the Iraq War.
Congratulations, Gen. S. …… I look forward to reading your book and others in the future.
😊😊😊😊 Thanks and congrats!
👍 Thumbs up already.
Great news !!!!!!
Best of luck, Gen. Satterfield.
Yes, best of luck.