In this second episode of MWI’s new podcast series, The Spear, John Amble talks to Maj. Emily Spencer. In 2008, Maj. Spencer was an EOD platoon leader in Iraq. In April, she and one of her EOD teams were involved in a route clearance patrol near Sadr City, a tumultuous stronghold of the Jaysh al-Mahdi militia. As soon as the five-vehicle convoy arrived at the edge of the neighborhood, the first in a series of improvised explosive devices detonated. After that, “the bottom fell out.”

Listen to Maj. Spencer talk through the fight that followed.

Just a reminder, before we release the next episode of The Spear in two weeks, you’ll be able to subscribe to the series on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app. Follow MWI on Twitter and like the MWI page on Facebook so we can let you know when you’re able to subscribe.

Image credit: Master Sgt. Michel Sauret, US Army