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As commanding officer, there are numerous changes and problems that must be addressed before redeployment. While some of the changes will be for the entire team, the majority of changes must be focused on the current leadership team and reestablishing a team environment. Additionally, the overall welfare and health of the group has been neglected and this must also be addressed in order to maintain a healthy team.

There are two leading changes that must be addressed immediately within the group. Change is never easy and this group underwent many changes immediately after arriving in Iraq that they were not prepared for that caused serious problems on the field. The first change that must take place is reorganization of the staff for 24-hour operations and training of the lead staff for these roles. It is well established that teams are always understaffed when they go to war, but the team failed to adapt to their full roles once arriving. The second necessary change is that of clearly defining the DCO's role before being re-deployed. It is unfair to the team and all of the leadership to send a group into combat without the slightest intention of keeping their primary roles intact.

The second issue that requires attention is training and guidance regarding the expected culture and climate of the team. When leaving for Iraq, the team worked well together and functioned successfully. Due to many breakdowns in leadership, this role quickly changed and, by the end of their deployment, the team was non-functioning. The first example of this is the assignment of training and roles given to the troops...

While such changes are going to happen in warfare, the leadership should have stepped up and aided the troops in making all necessary training transitions. This same point once again played out improperly when all troops were expected to perform infantry duties. While such duties are essential, this team was much more specialized and were not permitted to complete their optimal roles. Finally, the turnover rate of supplies is absolute proof of the chaos and lack of leadership when leaving for home.
The third issue is regarding the ethics of the team while performing operations. The report makes it very clear that the team had trouble when working with local police and civilians during rebuilding projects. The primary root of this issue was found to be Johnson whose policies and treatment of the locals resulted in a fast-spreading cancer within the team. Additionally, it was brought to attention that an unauthorized sniper shooting took place from within the battalion while on duty. The soldier reporting the offense has been ignored. This is a direct violation of military ethics policies, which requires a formal investigation and possibly a court martial to be commenced. Without these protocols, there is no hope of the actions of the troops being trusted or accepted by the locals in Iraq.

One enormous issue that stands to destroy what morale remains within the team is the stress levels of all troops and officers. During this transition time, it will become top priority that all officers and soldiers receive their fully paid leave time when requested and will not be allowed to remain on base after work hours.…