Colonel Benson's Role and Motivation for Writing

Colonel Kevin Benson reflects on his experience as the J-5 Plans lead during the invasion of Iraq, highlighting the intensity of planning amidst the pressures of war. He emphasizes the challenges faced upon his arrival in 2002, as his team dealt with exhaustion from extended hours of preparation. Benson's motivation for writing his book, 'Expectation of Valor,' stems from a desire to correct misconceptions about military planning, especially regarding post-Baghdad operations. He passionately defends the efforts of his team, conveying their commitment to contingency planning despite criticism that the Army neglected this critical aspect.