Before he departed Fort Irwin to become the current Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division, Major General Jeffrey Broadwater and I sat down in his office to chat about leadership, combat, the National Training Center, and how to personally manage the highs and lows of command.
As a company commander in 2007, I was fortunate to be attached to 3-7 Cavalry as then LTC Broadwater led the squadron in counterinsurgency operations in the Adamiyah area of Baghdad, Iraq. As a clear indicator of his leadership approach, MG Broadwater treated us like one of his own organic companies. He was inclusive, empowering, and led from a coaching mindset…a characteristic that continues today and that you can get a true sense of in this chat.
MG Broadwater is an Armor Officer and proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, has served in the 82nd Airborne, the 1st Infantry Division, the 3rd Infantry Division, commanded 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team at Fort Riley, and served as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Armored Division.
Notably though, are his three assignments to the National Training Center. Through 70 rotations as an Observer/Coach/Trainer and as a rotational unit, MG Broadwater has more time in the Fort Irwin desert than just about anyone. As a LTC, he coached Armored and Infantry Battalions then led the Brigade O/C team. As a COL, he commanded Operations Group, mentoring brigade commanders and shaping the conduct of NTC rotations. And most recently, he served as the Commanding General of NTC and Fort Irwin, responsible for the Fort Irwin tenant units and every echelon of support for NTC rotations.
Hope you enjoy this interview and thanks for listening!