The Virginian Pilot – The Iraqi 5th Battalion and its sister units were integral to proving that the U.S. could turn over the security of Iraq to a reconstituted national army, and in 2005 begin a long-promised withdrawal.
Michael Zacchea
Z-Medica Supports Disabled Veterans Program at UConn School of Business
A Connecticut Marine Reflects On His Mission In Iraq
WNPR – Connecticut U.S. Marine Michael Zacchea had a job to do in 2004: train and lead the first Iraqi Army battalion after the U.S. disbanded the country’s military post invasion.
This hour, we revisit our conversation with Zacchea, and co-author Ted Kemp about their book The Ragged Edge which details the challenges Zacchea faced leading a diverse group of Iraqis.
‘Like Building an Airplane in Mid-Flight’

UConn’s Mike Zacchea Describes Many Challenges He Faced as First U.S. Military Adviser to New Iraqi Army
In his new book, “The Ragged Edge,” set for release on April 1, U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea ’12 MBA shares the staggering hardships and unique challenges of the U.S. mission to build an Iraqi Army virtually from scratch. Continue Reading
Decorated Iraq War Vet is Livid About Trump’s Immigration Ban
CNBC– Trump’s ban provokes a fight with people who have survived the worst Al Qaeda and ISIS could offer, says U.S. Marine Michael J. Zacchea.