The Iraq War: A Commander's Perspective

• Author: Michael L. Oates
• Position: Major General, United States Army
• Pages: 155-165

IX

The Iraq War: ACommander's Perspective

Michael L. Oates*

Introduction

It is apleasure to be back in Newport and an honor to speak to you this af-

ternoon. Ihave alot ofgreat memories from my days as astudent here at the Naval

War College; it was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable experiences of my ca-

reer, both from apersonal and aprofessional standpoint.

When Ivisit places like this, Iam often reminded that as military officers, we

don't get enough opportunities during our careers to pause and think critically

about our profession. To that end, Ithink it is important for military officers to

spend time in academic environments such as this where they can read, write, lis-

ten to speakers, attend conferences like this one and interact with people who have

different experiences, different points of view.

To you military officers in the audience today who are students here at the Naval

War College, Isay enjoy your time here, but make good use of it. Take some of

those ideas that have been bouncing around in your head and share them with the

rest of us. We have an old saying in the Army that asoldier should always improve

his foxhole. Ibelieve, as leaders, we have asimilar obligation to our profession.

That means having the courage to speak up and share ideas about how you think

we can do things better. Granted, that is not always easy. People with innovative

ideas often receive their fair share of pushback. But the flip side is you never know

when one of your ideas will be the catalyst for real, meaningful change. As

Major General, United States Army.