Military Dispatch

An introduction to the audio documentary series designed to help the listener navigate the podcast and get the most out of the listening experience.

After four Blackwater contractors are killed in Fallujah, U.S. Marines attack the city to hunt down the murderers. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

After political decisions forced the Marines to withdrawal from the city, Fallujah becomes a sanctuary for insurgents who stage deadly attacks on Coalition Forces and anyone who dares to help American troops. Meanwhile, military leaders attempt to work with the Fallujah Brigade, and new warriors arrive in Iraq. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

With the demise of the Fallujah Brigade, military leaders prepare to go back into the city. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

The scheme of maneuver is devised as U.S. troops train for the incursion into Fallujah. Meanwhile, military leaders become frustrated by the rules of engagement. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

Regimental Combat Team 1 moves into the city as 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, and 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines kick off the assault and begin searching house-to-house. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

Regimental Combat Team 7 pushes into the city with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, and 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines destroying enemy in zone and seizing objectives to protect the flank of the main effort. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

In RCT-1s zone, four battalions converge in one area and attack in different directions with 3/5 facing heavy fighting. Meanwhile, RCT-7 encounters strong resistance as they push rapidly south, and warriors from David Bellavia's 2-2 get trapped while clearing a house. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

RCT-1 and RCT-7 continue pushing south, further into the terrorist stronghold, locating numerous caches and execution chambers. First Battalion, 8th Marines moves into the Mayor's Complex with 2nd Force Recon providing overwatch. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

The Jolan proves to be the deadliest district, as enemy hold up in fortified houses waiting to kill Marines as they enter and clear structures. A squad from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines becomes separated from their company. Alpha Company 2-63 Armor, in overwatch of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, gets caught in a minefield. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

Marines and soldiers go back through the city to clear every house, and face tough resistance from hardcore insurgents who are prepared to die. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

Marines and soldiers prepare the city for residents to return and render it safe for the national elections. When the polls open, more than 7,000 citizens vote inside Fallujah. As they prepare to leave, warriors reflect upon the experience and outcome of the battle. (Episode transcript, maps, images and show notes available at MilitaryDispatch.com)

Captain Joe Winslow, a Marine and Historian, was embedded with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines during the Second Battle of Fallujah in November 2004.

Colonel Dick Camp, author and Vietnam combat Marine veteran, shares his insights on writing the book "Operation Phantom Fury: The Assault & Capture of Fallujah, Iraq" and the significance of the battle.