This latest edition in the Warrior series takes us pretty much up to today with a look at the US Army solider in Baghdad during 2003-04. Regardless of your feelings about this conflict, the US Army is there and doing the best that they can in what is a very difficult situation.

In line with others of this series, the author starts out with an introduction to the environment and a chronology of events. The focus of this edition is the 1st Armored Division and their deployment in 2003-2004. The unit does not take part in the initial invasion, but joins into the fray after the end of this operation. We get a look at how the unit operated and how its mission changed from the initial days after the initial battle had been over through into the heart of the insurgency.

We start with the initial enlistment and training of the average US Army soldier. This then goes into his normal routine while in Baghdad and living conditions. Though considerably different from what soldiers faced in Vietnam and Korea, the threat of death is always there. Then it moves into the appearance of the soldiers and their equipment. While generally similar, there are differences depending on personal tastes and what is available at the time.

Much of what motivates a soldier is his belief systems and a feeling of belonging. This is covered as well before getting into the heart of the book, and that is the campaign in Iraq. Under this section, there is a look at the enemy , how the force is organized, the ever changing mission, attempts at securing and stabilizing the city of Baghdad and major operations. There is also a look at how the 1st AD performed its mission and any lessons to be learned from the experience. All of this is enhanced by a superb selection of color photos and the outstanding illustrations of Howard Gerrard.

In all, it is a superb look at what American troops are facing in an ever more unpopular war. A book that is a must read for those who really want to get a grip on what is happening without having to rely on the often skewed look at things that is offered by the news. As with all Osprey titles, it is superbly done and well worth the investment.

May 2007

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