Ghosts of Baghdad (Interview with Colonel Eric Buer 08/24/2023)

MILITARY TAKEAWAYS FOR THE U.S. FROM THE WAR IN UKRAINE
~Decorated Marine Aviator Col. Eric Buer, (ret), and Author of the highly anticipated memoir, "Ghosts Of Baghdad," is available to offer Insight and Analysis~Show more

Colonel Eric “Ferris” Buer (USMC Ret.) attended the New Hampton School in central New Hampshire before graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class in 1988 and attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.

He completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and trained to fly the Cobra at Camp Pendleton, California before reporting to the "Gunrunners" of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 at New River, North Carolina, where he earned his qualifications to fly the SuperCobra.

Eric completed multiple deployments throughout the Persian Gulf, Norway, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia along with graduating from the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Course. He then deployed with the Amphibious Task Force – East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. It was this deployment that gave him the inspiration for his first book Ghosts of Baghdad.

In 2004, Eric reported back to Camp Pendleton, California, and assumed command of the "Coyotes". While commanding the "Coyotes" he deployed into the heart of the Sunni Triangle in 2004 and again in 2005, stationed just miles between the flashpoint cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. From their base at Al Taqaddum, he and every “Coyote” flew combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These deployments are the backdrop for his next book, Devil in the Triangle, which is expected to be released in the fall of 2024.

In 2007, after graduating from the Marine Corps War College, Eric was assigned to the Joint Staff J-7, in Washington, D.C. In 2010, he reported to the National War College as an Associate Professor of National Security Strategy and Policy. While assigned to the National War College, he deployed in 2012 to Kabul, Afghanistan as a Special Advisor to the Commander of US Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In 2013, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida as the Commander of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and retired in 2016 with more than 4,000 flight hours.

Eric holds a BA in Economics (Ohio Wesleyan University), MBA (LaSalle University), MA in Military Studies (USMC Command and Staff College), and an MA in Strategic Studies (Marine Corps War College). His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal w/OLC, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross w/ combat 'V', Meritorious Service Medal w/ gold star, Air Medal w/ combat 'V' gold numeral 2, and Strike/Flight numeral 17, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Eric is currently a senior executive for an aviation and training company, consultant, and public speaker in the areas of military and commercial aviation and global conflict.