I was in Iraq when the very first Strykers got there. I was a 51T at that time and I layed out the base they all came to. That FOB went from about 100 people to something like a few 1000 over night. I sat at the entry point and watched every last Stryker enter the FOB.
I’m guessing that was 2004 at FOB Marez? 3rd SBCT was the first Brigade I was assigned to, where I did my (very long) PL time. Great unit.
My Battalion Commander in that BDE is now the BDE CDR for 2nd SBCT. I was his BDE S6 for a few months. Harsh guy, but VERY smart.