In this episode, we discuss:
*Hayden’s experiences in 2/10 before joining the 24th MEU
*Becoming a battery XO as a second lieutenant
*Easy Battery’s experiences with the 24th MEU prior to HKIA
*Initial indicators that the MEU might head to HKIA
*Easy Battery’s training and preparations for HKIA
*The challenge of knowing when to “flip the switch” of aggression and when to turn it off
*Assuming command of Easy Battery
*Hayden's understanding of the situation at HKIA before arriving
*The decision to leave the battery’s howitzers behind
*The influence of Marine Major Zach Schwartz on Hayden’s professional development
*Hayden’s first day at HKIA
*Easy Battery’s first mission
*Hayden’s initial observations of conditions at North Gate
*Turning over the battery’s positions to the 82nd Airborne
*Easy Battery’s occupation of the holding area
*The trying conditions of the holding area
*Managing 5,000 refugees with 99 Marines
*Handling riots
*The mental and emotional toll of working in the holding area
*The concept of surfaces and gaps at HKIA
*An incident involving suspected enemy artillery
*Hayden’s experiences at Abbey Gate
*Easy Company’s activities before departing HKIA
*What Hayden observed in himself and his Marines while in Kuwait
*Hayden’s advice for small unit leaders on talking about traumatic events with their Marines
*The role of mental health support for veterans
*The role of cell phones and Signal Chat at HKIA
*The role of discipline
*The role of exhaustion and the need for tough, realistic training
*The most frustrating and rewarding aspects of Hayden’s time at HKIA
*Hayden’s self-assessment as a leader during the evacuation
*His lessons learned from the operation
