Publication

This paper examines whether the US Army has the proper structure and training to perform full spectrum operations. It reports that 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) effectively operated as a 'full spectrum' force during Operation Arrowhead Ripper in the city of Baqubah, Iraq from June to September 2007. The Brigade Commander organized the SBCT to conduct simultaneous kinetic and nonkinetic operations, task-organizing his brigade to leverage the Iraqi military, local leaders, and Iraqi systems already in place to accomplish his mission of defeating al-Qaida and stabilizing the city of Baqubah. The author argues that, ultimately, adaptive leadership at every level enabled 3-2 SBCT to operate in a full spectrum campaign.