SUVs Suck in Combat: The Rebuilding of Iraq during a Raging Insurgency [Hardcover]

Kerry C. Kachejian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 2010

It was an unbelievable mission - to rebuild Iraq while the U.S. military was fighting a raging insurgency. In 2004, the soldiers and civilians of the Gulf Region Division (GRD) answered the call to duty and began the largest and most complex reconstruction project ever undertaken by our nation. They made great personal sacrifices that few of their fellow Americans would dare endure. This book tells the rest of the inspiring story - much of which was ignored by the mainstream media as "not newsworthy" or reduced to mere sound bytes. In the face of imminent danger, the GRD team braved daily car bombs, rocket attacks, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and kidnappings to rebuild thousands of projects throughout a chaotic war zone. These projects spread throughout a hostile country included schools, hospitals, police stations, oil production, electrical power and water treatment plants. Despite the odds, GRD was able to complete its critical strategic mission, and its members were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. A few of the amazing stories include: - A massive car bomb on author's first day in Baghdad that leveled a nearby hotel. - High speed "Mad Max" drives through the streets of Baghdad in unarmored SUVs. - The dependence on security contractors who performed with great valor while protecting American civilians. - The perilous war waged on the reconstruction mission that was largely invisible to U.S. combat forces and the American public. - The accidental rescue of an American hostage. - Living and working in Saddam's great palaces. - How a Yahoo email message was used to send an urgent plea for help. - A daring rescue mission in the Tigris River that ended in tragic loss. - The parade of Congressional Delegations that diverted precious combat resources from the war effort. - The unbelievable (but true) story of how a Yahoo email account is used to send an urgent message to the author to "PLEASE SAVE US". About the Author: Kerry Kachejian is one of the nation’s most qualified soldiers and engineers, having served in and supported reconstruction operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan as well as relief operations during Hurricane Katrina. A 1982 graduate of the US Military Academy (West Point), Kachejian also holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces earning a second Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy. Kachejian has numerous military decorations, awards, and qualifications, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He was presented the Bronze de Fleury Medal by the Army Engineer Association and the Reserve Award for Leadership Excellence – a national award presented annually by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He is Airborne and Ranger qualified. Kachejian recently retired from the Army Reserve, holding the rank of Colonel. He currently supports the U.S. defense industry. He has spoken at a number of major conferences and private events on topics, including the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Psychology of Terrorism, Contractors on the Battlefield, and Critical Infrastructure Protection. Kerry, a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, lives with his wife Alice and three children near Springfield, Virginia.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kerry Kachejian is one of the nation's most qualified soldiers and engineers, having served in and supported reconstruction operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan as well as relief operations during Hurricane Katrina. A 1982 graduate of the US Military Academy (West Point), Kachejian also holds a Master's Degree in Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He is a Distinguished Graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces earning a second Master's Degree in National Resource Strategy.

Kachejian has numerous military decorations, awards and qualifications, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He was presented the Bronze de Fleury Medal by the Army Engineer Association and the Reserve Award for Leadership Excellence - a national award presented annually by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He is Airborne and Ranger qualified. Kachejian currently serves as a Director of Homeland Security at Raytheon, a Fortune 500 Company. He has spoken at a number of major conferences and private events on topics, including the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Psychology of Terrorism, Contractors on the Battlefield, and Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Kerry, a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, lives with his wife, Alice, and three children near Springfield, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: Fortis Publishing (May 21, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984551107
• ISBN-13: 978-0984551101
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,091,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars On Time-On Target July 5, 2010

By David Breitbach

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Kerry Kachejian provides a rare glimpse into a side of the war in Iraq that the majority of Americans know little or nothing about. COL K. accurately describes just some of the never-ending challenges and dangers faced by the Soldiers and civilians of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division in 2004. Nothing gets done in easily Iraq; especially rebuilding an antiquated, neglected and in numerous instances, a non-existent infrastructure. There have been many books written about the war in Iraq and to be sure many more will follow, but this one is the only one I have read that highlights the battles against the bureaucrats and a determined enemy on the battlefield that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faced on a daily basis. As one of the many who have served multiple tours in Iraq with the Gulf Region Division I can only suggest you read this book and get a better understanding of the mission.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars SUVs Suck in Combat October 3, 2011

By Mike Doble

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Kerry Kachejian's first hand account of the challenges of rebuilding Iraq in the midst of a raging insurgency is a compelling page turner. He pulls no punches in describing their almost impossible mission and lack of resources and how the heroic efforts of our soldiers, civilians and local national workers made a difference. He describes the situation on the ground in a way you never saw on the evening news. The organization he served with was in charge of overseeing over 2300 projects across the country. The SUV story was emblematic of the obstacles they faced as they literally raced across the country dodging bullets, rockets and roadside bombs in the same kind of vehicles that we drive every day here in the US. Kachejian is a great storyteller, a passionate, dedicated leader, and a patriot. I recommend this book to anyone serving, or about to serve, in the armed forces and to those who are interested in our recent military history.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brutal Honesty! June 16, 2010

By Richard B. Hook

Format:Hardcover

Kerry Kachejian has hit a homerun with his first hand accounts of U.S. Army Corps of Engineer personnel and their Iraqi counterparts living and dying as they rebuild Iraq's infrastructure. The myriad of humor and tragedy interwoven into his "war stories" rival any past authors who detailed the heroic exploits of WWII, Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm. This book is a "must read" for those Americans who want to find out "what really happened in Iraq" during the past several years. Readers will not be able to set the book down until they finish reading all of the riveting details Kerry Kachejian carefully inserted into this fascinating book!

Richard B. Hook
LTC, U.S. Army, Retired