Taji, Iraq
In 2004, Kirklin returned to Fort Hood, and was again assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division DISCOM, as Deputy Commander while deployed to Taji, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After re-deployment in March 2005, he assumed Command of the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Hood, on 14 July 2005. As commander, he deployed the battalion to Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006–08, Diyala Province, Iraq, and then recovered the unit back to Fort Hood.