About
Discussions
Recent Activity -
Bio
I got a GED and joined the Air Force at age 17, in 1977, as a Missile Facility Specialist, 541X0G. It was an "electronics" field that later changed to a mechanical field, 44X0G. It was basically an electrician and air conditioning mechanic on Minuteman missile silos. I got out after four years and joined the Army as an Airborne Infantryman. It's more fun to break stuff than to fix it.
Military Experiences
Dec 2004 - Dec 2007
Platoon Sergeant
Arrived during the forming of a new BDE for deployment to OIF. After a year of manning and training, we deployed to Baghdad. Our Platoon, "MFH" (Mortars, Fist, and Headquarters) went on patrols six days a week with maintenance on day seven. Our patrols consisted of Recon/Security, Escort, Raids, and "SKT" (Small Kill Team)which is basically an ambush patrol. We encountered numerous IEDs and a few instances of small arms fire with NO injuries. My advice to anyone deploying to any country in the region: "look like you want to fight and they'll leave you alone". They're cowards.
Dec 2002 - Dec 2004
Mortar Instructor
Attended TAITC (Total Army Instructor Training Course) and was assigned to train students of Infantry OSUT how to operate and maintain the 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar systems.
Nov 2000 - Dec 2002
Section Sergeant
Section Sergeant of a 120mm Mortar Section in a heavy CAV Troop consisting of two M1064 Mortar Carriers and nine personnel.
Nov 1997 - Nov 2000
Section Sergeant
Section Sergeant for a Mortar Section in a heavy CAV Squadron in 1AD. consisting of two M106A2 Mortar Carriers with the 4.2" Mortar, initially. In May of 1998, we received the newer M1064 Mortar Carriers with the 120mm Mortar Systems and received NETT training just prior to a deployment to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Guard.
Deployments
(2 years, 6 months)Nov 2005 - Nov 2006
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Deployed with A Troop, 8-10 CAV, 4ID out of Fort Hood. Patrolled a sector between BIAP and the Green Zone north and south of Route Irish.
Jun 1998 - Sep 1998
Operation Joint Guard
Bosnia deployment for Joint Guard, Camp Demi. Assigned to 1-1 CAV, 1AD out of Budingen, Germany.
Jan 1994 - Jul 1994
Dec 1990 - May 1991
Operation Desert Shield/Storm
4/7 INF (Mech), 3ID out of Aschaffenburg, Germany, our Brigade attached to 1AD.
Military Credentials
Professional Development Schools
Individual & Special Skill Schools
Aug 1993 - Sep 1993
IMLC
Additional Specialization(s)
Security Clearance
Secret