From Kuwait to Iraq: Combat Support Associates Honoring Heroes' Journey of the 10th MTN Division

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K Tyler

My employer was Combat Support Associates Kuwait Ltd. Force Protection Officer (FPO) was my job title. After the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait retained additional civilian defense contractors for base security to free up the soldiers. Civilian contractors help military missions. Force defense and security are crucial. Our Kuwait military bases do 12 daily security checks on 4,000 cars and 12,000 people. Combat Support Associates security examines cars and people before letting entrance. The company’s Security Services Directorate has 90% veterans and 8% police or jail professionals.

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I worked for Combat Support Associates Kuwait Ltd. (CSA). My job title was Force Protection Officer (FPO). After the first Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait saw a large increase in civilian military contractors. Civilian contractors continue to provide essential services to support military operations in the region. Security and force protection constitute one essential service. Every day, almost 4,000 cars and 12,000 individuals pass through at least 12 security checkpoints at our military installations in Kuwait. The security staff at Combat Support Associates conduct rigorous car and person searches before granting permission to enter. The company’s Security Services Directorate employs around 90% military veterans and 8% from law enforcement or prison professions in the US. Employees recognize the importance of their professions and find fulfillment in their responsibilities. Before hiring, all candidates undergo background checks and security clearances. Every day, almost 4,000 cars and 12,000 individuals pass through at least 12 security checkpoints at our military installations in Kuwait. The security staff at Combat Support Associates conduct rigorous car and person searches before granting permission to enter.

Force protection team members require situational awareness and attention to detail, similar to a soldier walking point. A strong team focus requires a personal commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and appearance. Force protection officers prioritize initial and ongoing training that emphasizes teamwork and accountability. Regardless of their experience level, we expect security staff to collaborate and support one another. We rotate individuals into team leadership positions, allowing them to advance to different levels of security duty. On a regular basis, ASG-KU Force Protection Base Defense Liaison Teams test FPOs with explosive training devices at entry control points to ensure they remain vigilant. We worked really long hours in Kuwait. Most days last 12–15 hours, rather than 8 hours. CSA's security professionals allow service members to focus on their responsibilities without worrying about guarding the front gate.

There was a grocery store that stocked all American grocery items; if they didn't have them in stock, you could request them, and they would be in stock within a few weeks. You couldn't ask for a better life in another country. Before Uber, we mostly took taxis around the city. The abundance of American eateries such as Red Robin, Church's (Texas) Chicken, Domino's Pizza, and, of course, McDonalds made living there great.

Later, I moved to an apartment in Hawally, Kuwait, which was an upgrade and a much more desirable area. I enjoyed the new neighborhood and all the amenities it had to offer. My balcony had an ocean view, and I spent many evenings watching the sunset over the water.

My apartment came fully equipped as if I were living in a hotel, except for the room service. My bedroom was huge, with cathedral ceilings and a walk-in bathtub. It also came with free cable. We were within walking distance of the major shopping outlets. Kuwait puts American malls to shame in their appearance and décor. The living arrangements provided by CSA in Kuwait City were luxurious and well-equipped, resembling a high-end hotel experience.

Living in the city gave us an advantage over base soldiers and contractors. One day, a unit from the 10th Mountain Division arrived, and they were a vibrant group; everyone was eager and seemed delighted to be there. They were laughing and smiling as they passed through the gate. It was a welcome respite from the usual gravity and stress that pervade the air. They greeted us pleasantly and praised us for our service, leaving us feeling loved and respected. It was a quick but unforgettable meeting that had a favorable impact on me and my fellow Force Protection Officers. All the FPOs were recent soldiers who had experienced combat in either the first or second push in Iraq. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I would re-join the Army and participate in the third push in 2008, alongside my friends from the 10th Mountain Division.

The interaction with the gate guards reminded me of the camaraderie and brotherhood that existed among soldiers, no matter the time or place. Even years after the battle, we remembered our sacrifices and our bond. As we drove away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside such brave men and women. Little did I know that our paths would cross again in the future as we faced new challenges and adventures together. I would carry the memories of that brief encounter with me, serving as a reminder of the strength and unity inherent in the military community.

At times, life can be humorous and rife with destiny, as fate played a significant role in bringing me together with my friends from the 10th Mountain Division. Most of the people I met were from an aviation unit, primarily serving as support personnel. Ammo guys and Fuelers. At that time, I was unaware of the various roles held by Army personnel. At this juncture in my life, fate intervened, oblivious to the fact that the 10th Mountain Division would forever transform my future. My trepidation about being the only family serving in the Army without seeing combat duty would come to an end in a fury of flame and horror.

When my friends came through, I was working in a different location than before in Kuwait. Their faces, drawn and sullen, were not the same ones I had met just short of a year before. I can only characterize their expression as one of relief. I am thankful that they made it back to go home in peace; however, a few friends I had made were not that lucky. One in particular was a homeboy from Houston, so that hit me pretty hard. I knew I had missed so much before, given that my family had made the sacrifices during Desert Storm while I hid out in the civilian world. I felt that I had dishonored our family tradition by not volunteering to go to Desert Storm.

This feeling stayed with me for years. I could never forget the sacrifices others made. I could never forget that I chose not to make that sacrifice because I was scared. I carried the guilt of my decision to stay behind, feeling like I had let down those who had bravely served. My regret increased when I heard about my friends' military struggles and losses. I knew I needed to find a way to honor their sacrifices and make amends for my own choice to not enlist. I made a vow to myself that I would find a way to give back to those who had given so much for their country. I packed up my things, resigned from Combat Support Associates, and left for the United States the following week. I left everything behind—my life, my car, my apartment, and the easiest job I ever had in my life. After speaking with an Army recruiter, I found myself on my way to Fort Lee, Virginia, to undergo training as a 92F fueler within a few months. At the same time, I was both scared and determined to prove to myself that I could serve with honor and not disappoint my fellow soldiers or dishonor the memory of those in my family who had fought before me and in my stead.