We rehearsed for an attack northward into the remnants of a stalled Iraqi armored thrust. The general plan called for the 3 rd ACR and the Apaches of the 101 st to initially hit the Iraqis just after they crossed the border. As the enemy stalled in front of the 24 th ID, the 1 st Cav would conduct a massive, rolling counter-attack into the enemy s flank. So, although the corps mission was clearly defensive, our role was an offensive one. As we began training morale increased.
Soldiers are happy when they are busy and training to do their jobs.
Thanksgiving and Christmas passed and we sensed that war was inevitable. The theme of the only way home is through Baghdad saturated the platoon. We were ready to go. Early found our platoon screening the task force just south of the crossroads town of Hafr al Batin. This border town in northern Saudi Arabia sat astride the critical road intersection in the theater.