Matt Gallagher here, author of Kaboom, stopping by for a Q&A on Tuesday the 14th of July. What questions do you have?

2015-07-10T08:12:01-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYymSklf7jc
*Post your questions below*

From RallyPoint Staff:

We’re excited to welcome CPT Matt Gallagher, author of “Kaboom: Embracing the Suck in a Savage Little War” for a live Q&A July 14 at 4:00pm EST. CPT Gallagher deployed to Iraq in 2007 with 2-14 Cav (https://www.rallypoint.com/units/2-14-cav-2nd-squadron-14th-cavalry-regiment-schofield-barracks-hi). The book was inspired by his wartime blog, "Kaboom: A Soldier's War Journal," which was untimely shut down by his COC.

He's also the co-editor of, and contributor to, "Fire and Forget: Short Stories from the Long War," a literary fiction anthology penned by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and family members. His novel "Youngblood," set during the American withdrawal from Iraq, is forthcoming in February 2016. He has written for the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, and Boston Review, among others, and lives with his wife and dog in Brooklyn.

CPT Gallagher was also fortunate enough to spend some time in Iraq with our very own Co-Founder CPT Aaron Kletzing.

If you haven’t already, we highly recommend grabbing a digital or print copy of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Kaboom-Embracing-Suck-Savage-Little/dp/ [login to see]

It may have particular relevance to our OIF veterans on RallyPoint

"Kaboom: Embracing the Suck in a Savage Little War" by Matt Gallagher

When Lieutenant Matt Gallagher first arrived in Iraq in 2007, it was all too surreal. In the midst of a shift in U.S. policy from lethal operations to counte...

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 10 at 2015 8:14 AM

2015-07-10T08:14:42-04:00

Really looking forward to this Q&A! I have this book on my list of "To Read" and I'm looking forward to the interesting conversation on the 14th!

Response by SSG Sean Gallagher made Jul 10 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-07-10T08:33:39-04:00

I didn't know I had a brother that was commissioned. Can't wait to read the book, Matt. Erin go bragh.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-07-10T09:15:06-04:00

No question, just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed Kaboom years ago when I read it. If you have a chance make sure to pick up a copy!

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-07-10T14:49:21-04:00

Loved reading Kaboom! I was one of the 2-104 CAV soldiers from the PA Guard that relieved 2-14 in 2009.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jul 10 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-07-10T22:02:46-04:00

I had the pleasure of serving with CPT Matt Gallagher in Hawaii. I highly recommend both "Kaboom" and "Fire and Forget." Great books. Looking forward to "Youngblood" sir. All Cav!!!

Response by Capt John Young made Jul 13 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-07-13T11:47:00-04:00

Looking forward to CPT Gallagher's warfighter perspective.

Response by Capt John Young made Jul 13 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-07-13T11:50:49-04:00

CPT Gallagher -- First, thank you for your service. Then, from a company grade leader perspective, how can we disrupt the pull ISIS has on our impressionable youngsters?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 13 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-07-13T12:20:22-04:00

Matt - Thanks for putting the time aside for us. After hearing you and CPT Aaron Kletzing spent some time together downrange, I know many of us would enjoy hearing your favorite memory of him or the time you had serving in the same unit. As junior Officers thrust into such a whirlwind deployment, what advice would you give current JMOs preparing to face unique challenges and lead a team of military professionals like you did?

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 13 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-07-13T13:39:50-04:00

Looking forward to reading it - I haven't yet

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 13 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-07-13T14:11:55-04:00

First, Kaboom! is an awesome book and everyone on RP should really check it out. Second, what did you find most challenging about writing a complete book, and what advice do you have for first time writers? What has been the biggest surprise for you?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 13 at 2015 2:14 PM

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CPT Matt Gallagher, Why do you have Scott Baio as your profile picture?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 13 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-07-13T22:26:13-04:00

Another question, actually -- CPT Matt Gallagher, when is your next book coming out, and what is it going to be about?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 13 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-07-13T22:27:47-04:00

CPT Matt Gallagher -- what process do you use to decide what topics to write on, what the scope of a book will be, and what your plan for writing it all will be? (Sorry, that was kind of incoherent.)

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 13 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-07-13T23:46:42-04:00

CPT Matt Gallagher -- while you were in Iraq, what types of missions/operations did your unit have (if you can disclose), where you thought to yourself, "WTF are we doing here?!"

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 13 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-07-13T23:48:55-04:00

SFC Mark Merino -- hey brother, since you are an Aviation guy, you really should ask CPT Matt Gallagher about his "favorite" air assault mission that he did as part of 1-27 IN. ;-)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 3:10 AM

2015-07-14T03:10:00-04:00

Thanks for sharing some of your time with us here today. I am a PL currently deployed in a allied nation in the ME. I don't maintain a blog as you did but I am very active and vocal here on Rallypoint. As you found when your blog was shut down by those in the higher echelons of the Army for it's contents but I would like to know a few things in relation to that. Was your company and battalion leadership aware of your blog and its contents? If so, were they supporting you in your endeavor or were they distancing themselves?. Next, did you ever take into account the potential impact you would later have and at any point did you filter you writing in relation to this? I am looking forward to your answers.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 8:05 AM

2015-07-14T08:05:03-04:00

Thank you taking the time to interact with the RallyPoint community this way, CPT Matt Gallagher. I have a couple quick questions:

I read that you were promoted to CPT shortly after your blog was shut down, which leads me to believe that the blog did not affect your career terribly negatively. Is that a fair assumption?

Also, looking back now, would you have done anything differently regarding your blog?

I ordered "Kaboom" the other day and I'm looking forward to reading it. Good luck in your future endeavors!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 14 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-07-14T14:16:01-04:00

I have to admit that I am behind on my reading list. I haven't read any of the books yet but wonder if they are easy for non-military readers to follow or did you have to wear the green tuxedo to follow along?

Response by CPT Matt Gallagher made Jul 14 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-07-14T15:58:22-04:00

Hey all, excited to be here. Appreciate everyone at RallyPoint having me. Gonna dive into the questions now, see you down there. Embrace the Suck!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-07-14T16:10:14-04:00

CPT Gallagher thank you for your service.
In your opinion what is a leader? Do you believe they are born or can be created?
I look forward to reading your books.
Ryan

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 14 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-07-14T16:10:26-04:00

Looking forward to reading on vacation next month. Interested in what some of the tough parts of transition back to civilian life have been

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 14 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-07-14T16:12:46-04:00

CPT Matt Gallagher thanks for taking the time to be with us today Sir! Can you tell us about your greatest challenge/struggle with a senior leader or just following orders? Downrange, there is a plan and then there is reality - often times the plan has to be adjusted in the field and people like you are often left to explain their decisions.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-07-14T16:13:14-04:00

A follow on question is what advice would you give leaders in todays PC environment? Do you think we will get over the PC hump and return to a Profession of Arms that respect each other, but worry more about getting the mission done, and less on how leaderships decisions will potentially hurt someone or some groups feelings?

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-07-14T16:36:46-04:00

Last question from me. Given your experience, knowledge, and interactions with soldiers, how do you inspire, motivate and lead the new soldiers coming in today? It is difficult given the everyone is a winner culture.

Response by CPT Matt Gallagher made Jul 14 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-07-14T17:02:02-04:00

Gotta roll, but really enjoyed this - thanks to all for the thoughtful and engaging questions. Be well, everyone

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 21 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-07-21T21:36:56-04:00

OK, I read all the replies on this thread. I'm convinced. I bought the book on iBooks.