Jackson, Matt: - The author enlisted in the US Army in 1968 and served on active duty until 1993, when he retired as a colonel. In the course of his career, he commanded two infantry companies, one being an airborne company in Alaska, and commanded an air assault infantry battalion during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. When not with troop assignments, he was generally found teaching tactics at the United States Army Infantry Center or the United States Army Command and General Staff College, with a follow-on assignment as an exchange tactics instructor at the German Army Tactics Center. His last assignment was Director, Readiness and Mobilization, J-5, Forces Command, and Special Advisor, Vice President of the United States. His badges include the Combat Infantrymans Badge, Expert Infantrymans Badge, Master Aviator Wings, Senior Parachutist Wings and Air Assault Badge. His awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with oak Leafs and Air Medal with "V". Upon retiring from the US Army, he went into private business. He and his wife have been married for the past fifty-two years and have two sons, both Army officers.