Would any LTC be willing to conduct an email interview with me for a story I am writing about a battalion fighting against an insurgency?

2019-10-16T23:01:58-04:00

Hello all, I am currently writing a story that follows a Lt. Colonel over seeing a battalion that is fighting against an insurgency within a small region. I’ve read through the military.com description, but it’s a bit vague and frankly I know absolutely nothing about the inner working of the military, so I could use some insight. On that note, I wanted to reach out and see if anyone would be willing conduct an email interview or could help me get in contact with a current or former Lt. Colonel. I know the military is incredibly sensitive about what information they share so if I’m over stepping a boundary, forgive me. If it helps, I can post the questions here if need be.

Thank you.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 16 at 2019 11:14 PM

2019-10-16T23:14:52-04:00

Jack Kaiser first tip. A Lieutenant Colonel doesn't oversee a Battalion. They command a Battalion and lead it in its Missions. If you are talking about an Army Battalion, it is a LTC vice Lt Col. DM your email address so I can make contact and see what we would be doing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2019 3:14 AM

2019-10-17T03:14:43-04:00

Well, here is something for you to consider: Are you wanting to speak with an LTC that COMMANDS an Infantry BN, an Engineer BN, a Multi Functional Medical BN, Support BN? I ask because each type (and there are many) has it's own particular goals and end statements in regards to fighting insurgency.

And a food for thought. Officers that are in charge of units are never considered to oversee. They are in command. Company. Battalion. Brigade. Division, etc.. Always in command, never oversee.

Response by LtCol Ross Scanio made Oct 17 at 2019 9:20 AM

2019-10-17T09:20:52-04:00

Hello, my name is Ross, retired Marine LtCol, email me at [login to see] and I’ll see if I can be of some assistance.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 17 at 2019 10:21 AM

2019-10-17T10:21:10-04:00

Jack,
I would be happy to assist you.

R
Charles T Dalbec
LTC, Army Retired

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 17 at 2019 3:55 PM

2019-10-17T15:55:59-04:00

Jack Kaiser you're going to need to do more research to learn about the Army, including its organization, traditions, ranks, command structure, and lots of other things. I served as an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) and later worked as a Department of the Army Civilian (DAC). I wouldn't be comfortable writing about a fictional military mission or operation without doing a lot of research.
One of my Air Force jobs was writing for a military magazine. My boss gave be a great piece of advice about preparing for my work, "if you want to write good reading, read good writing." In the military-adventure genera I recommend books by Ralph Peters and Tom Clancy, also the various writers who have picked up the Tom Clancy characters and story lines.

Response by COL Mike Walton made Oct 17 at 2019 3:59 PM

2019-10-17T15:59:43-04:00

I was in combat, but not in a combat unit. You need to find a Battalion Commander or a Brigade Executive Officer to a Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Air Defense Artillery or Engineer unit.

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Oct 17 at 2019 9:49 PM

2019-10-17T21:49:39-04:00

Happy to assist, Lieutenant Colonels command battalions. Experience in combat as well as multi-echelon training will serve your needs. Send message

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 18 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-10-18T08:08:53-04:00

Jack ~ I do not have any Combat experience though.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 19 at 2019 11:22 PM

2019-10-19T23:22:53-04:00

Check your inbox.

You may want to look at some films/books
- Firebase Illingworth. Mike Conrad lays out his challenges as a BN CDR
- Watch Restreppo
- There was a great multi episode documentary about the war on terror that showed different leaders on the ground and what they were doing. National Geographic Chain of Command.
- Red Platoon. Gives you what happens when it goes sideways on a remote FOB.
- The Long Road Home miniseries
- Not sure if Rick Schroeders The Fighting Season took off or not.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jan 21 at 2020 12:01 PM

2020-01-21T12:01:12-05:00

I’m a retired Army LTC ~ Human Resource/Recruiting/Retention/Readiness Background am also a Mustang and would be willing to talk, meet, and discuss with you.

Feel free to contact me at
[login to see]

V/r
Charles ( Chuck) Dalbec