COL (Ret) Michael P. Courts
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The most honest and common-sense perspective of the Iraq War, from an insider in real-time.
Colonel (Ret) Mike Courts brings a unique perspective to the Iraq War through his witty and insightful observations from the halls of power in Baghdad.
A decorated U.S. Army officer with over 30 years of service, Mike’s career culminated as Chief of Staff for the 1st Infantry Division. His year-long stint as Chief of the Engagements Branch in the Strategic Effects Directorate of Multi-National Force-Iraq gave him an unusual vantage point on Coalition efforts to win over Sunni insurgents.
With a keen eye for the absurd and a knack for finding humor in the most unlikely places, Mike’s weekly letters home paint a vivid picture of life inside “The Palace” during a critical period of the war.
His blend of strategic insight, on-the-ground realism, and irreverent humor offers readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a complex military operation, all while dodging rockets and braving the perils of military dining facilities. Mike’s ability to distill profound lessons from everyday experiences makes “Letters from Baghdad” both an entertaining read and a valuable historical document.
1. Military career:
– Served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring in June 2011
– Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1981
– Achieved the rank of Colonel
– Served as an Army Aviator, primarily flying AH-64 Apache attack helicopters
2. Command positions:
– Brigade Commander for 3rd Brigade, 75th Division (Training Support) at Fort Riley, Kansas
– Responsible for training and certifying National Guard and Army Reserve aviation units for deployment
– Battalion Commander 1-223rd Avn Regt at Ft Rucker, Alabama
– Responsible for Army Aviation Primary and Instrument training, all CH-47 training, all maintenance test pilot training and all Fixed Wing Training
3. Staff positions:
– Served as Chief of Engagements on the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF–I) staff in 2006-2007
– Served as Chief of Staff 1st Infantry Division Ft Riley, Kansas 2007-2008
– Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) for Multi-National Corps – Iraq (MNC–I) in 2009-2010
– Served in G8 DAMO-FDV (Force Development Aviation) as a lieutenant colonel in the Pentagon during 9/11
4. Deployments:
– Two tours in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1996-1997 and 1998-1999)
– Two tours in Iraq (2006-2007 and 2009-2010)
5. Education:
– Graduated from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, in 2003
– Graduated from Command and General Staff College in Ft Leavenworth, Kansas in 1994
6. Writing and documentation:
– Wrote weekly letters during his Iraq deployments, which were widely distributed
– His letters were used at Army schools to keep students updated
– One of his letters was used as testimony before Parliament in Great Britain
7. Personal resilience:
– Survived a major heart attack in 2003
– Despite health concerns, pushed for deployment to Iraq in 2006
8. Family life:
– Married to Robbie B. Courts, also a retired Army officer
– Father of two children
– Active in military community life, including chapel activities and Boy Scouts