Interview with Guyton Lee Robinson, August 4, 2017

Partial Transcript: Why did you join the military?

Segment Synopsis: Robinson describes his motivations for joining the military including a family history of military service and inspiration from the novel The Long Grey Line by Rick Atkinson. He talks about how this novel sparked his interest in West Point. He discusses his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia and the expectations the public had of his service before 9/11. He also describes his MOS (military occupational specialty) as an aviation officer.

Keywords: Boeing AH-64 Apache; Commanding Officer; South Korea; West Point

Partial Transcript: So you've brought up some time in Iraq, tell me some dates of your deployment. How many times have you deployed?

Segment Synopsis: Robinson describes his three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses the responsibilities of a Platoon leaders and Company Commanders. He describes the differences in each deployment including operation tempo, regulations, and intensity.

Keywords: 101st Airborne; Fort Hood; Germany; Kandahar; South Korea

Partial Transcript: There are a lot of public misperceptions about the military. Is there one specific misperception that you hear that you would like to explain to future generations?

Segment Synopsis: Robinson describes the misconception of resource mismanagement in the Army, such as fiscal irresponsibility. He also discusses teaching American Politics at West Point, and receiving his Masters in Public Management.
Robinson talks about the events that led him to becoming a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia.

Keywords: Boeing AH-64 Apache; Lieutenant Colonel; School of Advanced Military Studies Strategic Planning and Policy Program

Partial Transcript: So what's it been like? You went from being an instructor at West Point, and a commander, to being on a huge SEC campus, what's it like to be a student?

Segment Synopsis: Robinson describes being a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia while still being on active duty including, his promotion to Battalion Commander at The Arch. He also discusses his military career aspirations after finishing his doctorate, and potentially returning to civilian life.

Keywords: PhD program; education policy

Partial Transcript: So before I hit record, you told me that there was something specific you'd like to talk about.

Segment Synopsis: Robinson recalls first hearing the news of the deaths of two of his company commanders whose helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. Robinson discusses nominating the soldiers for the Distinguished Flying Cross: the first aviators to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Keywords: Baghdad; Distinguished Flying Cross; Golden Knights; Medal of Honor; Warrant Officer

Partial Transcript: One last question, for the historian reviewing this interview one hundred years from now--do you have any final thoughts to help inform the lessons you've learned from your military experience?

Segment Synopsis: Robinson describes the unpredictability of war, particularly when in close combat. He also discusses the attributes of a good leader.

Keywords: Company Command