Retired Col. Lydia Combs vividly remembers standing on the Iraqi frontlines as a Kurdish-Iraqi liaison officer. It was a pivotal moment in her career — underscoring her commitment to leadership and diplomacy in some of the most volatile regions worldwide.
“Iraq was one of my favorite assignments,” she said. "It was a unique experience, and it gave me the chance to interact with foreign military personnel in a way I never had before. I felt like the work we were doing made a real difference."
Combs’ nearly three-decade military career was defined by such moments of resilience and leadership.
Now serving as the executive officer to the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Combs continues to lead with the same passion and dedication that drove her throughout her Army career.
"Being part of the command group and ensuring my boss’s mission is met is incredibly rewarding," she said.
Her path, however, was not the one she had originally envisioned.
While attending Albright College in Pennsylvania, Combs initially dreamed of becoming an obstetrician. "I love babies," she recalled with a smile. However, when financial challenges arose due to rising tuition costs, Combs had to rethink her future.
Determined to complete her education, she applied for a two-year ROTC scholarship, which not only solved her financial concerns but also introduced her to a new career path.
“It wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life,” she said.
Combs was commissioned through Lehigh University’s ROTC program in 1986 and entered the Army as a chemical officer, specializing in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. Her first assignments took her into the world of research and development, where she worked on special access programs, but she was soon leading from the front.
Combs’ career path took her to Alaska, where she served as the chemical officer and battle captain for the 6th Infantry Division. Later, she assumed command of the 6th Division Support Command headquarters company.
"Leading Soldiers is one of the greatest honors you can have," she said. “As long as you stay focused, genuine and care about your people, you’ll succeed.”
Her leadership journey didn’t stop there. After Alaska, she became an instructor at the U.S. Army Chemical School in Fort McClellan, Alabama, where she found a new passion: mentoring the next generation of Soldiers.
"Helping younger Soldiers navigate their careers and grow was one of the most rewarding parts of my job," she reflected.
It was during her deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn that Combs faced one of the most defining moments of her career. Serving as the Kurdish-Iraqi liaison officer, she worked to bridge cultural and political gaps between the two groups — managing complex negotiations and hosting high-level conferences.
“I felt like the work we were doing had a real impact,” she said. “Meeting the president of Iraq and the president of the Kurds and seeing high-level Iraqi and Kurdish leaders come together was something I’ll never forget.”
After retiring from the Army in 2014, Combs brought her leadership experience to the U.S. Army Materiel Command, where she served as a strategic planner and speechwriter for the deputy commanding general. These roles deepened her understanding of logistics and operational support, skills she would bring with her when she joined AMCOM in 2018.
Her impact at AMCOM has been equally impressive. In January 2021, she was appointed executive officer to the deputy to the commanding general, a role in which she plays a key part in ensuring the success of the command’s mission.
“I love my job because it gives me the chance to continue serving; it’s incredibly rewarding,” Combs said.
Outside of her professional life, Combs is a devoted mother and grandmother who enjoys reading, sewing and cooking Italian dishes.
When asked what advice she would give to current Soldiers, civilians and their families, Combs expressed gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
“Thank you for your commitment to the nation. For civilians, remember that you are the continuity of the Army. For all — take care of each other, and we will succeed.”