2-8 CAV Stallions

2-8 CAV battalion commander coin from OIF 06-08. I served as the battalion intelligence officer, or S-2, for the unit. As the operational tempo increased, our S2 shop grew in responsibility—from one office in the headquarters to "expando" vans behind the headquarters that gave us room to store evidence, conduct analysis, review maps and other intelligence, and hold meetings away from the main headquarters. The investment of the operations officer and battalion commander made us an effective team of Soldiers, NCOs, and officers. It was a valuable lesson: investment from leaders spurs growth and development and increases the team's capability tenfold. This job was the most rewarding of my 25 years in the Army.