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Military Experience In 1984, I joined the Army when I was 17 years old. I went to Fort Benning Georgia for basic training (11 Bravo Infantry).
My first Duty station was at 3rd Ranger Company, Fort Benning, Georgia (which is now the 4th Ranger Training Brigade). I stayed there for three years...enjoyed most of it, minus Ranger School (Class 13-86). I went to the Long Range Surveillance Detachment in Ansbach Germany in Feb of 1988. That is where my LRS life began. I served as a RTO, Senior Scout, ATL, and Team Leader. I lead a LRS Team into Iraq during Desert Storm War. What a great experience... After coming back from Iraq, I was stationed at the 4th Ranger Training Battalion as a Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course Instructor. One of my responsibilities there was the Primary Vehicle Identification Instructor (130 vehicles in 3 days). I meet a lot of great LRS guys there. In 1995 I received orders for Hawaii. I was stationed at the Long Range Surveillance Detachment, 25th ID (L). The first two years I was the Operations Sergeant, and the last year I took over from 1SG Gutierrez (now the First Sergeant at A Company, 2/75 Ranger Regiment) as First Sergeant. (The best job in the Army). My time was up there, so I received orders for Fort Lewis, Washington. I thought I was heading for the LRSC on Lewis...but they went away, so I went to Leg Land. 1/24 Infantry, ouch. I thought it was going to be nothing but bad, but I was wrong. I have learned a lot from this experience. 2 years passed and I received another MSM. It's time to head to Drill Sergeant School. What an experience Drill Sergeant School was, being treated like a Private for 9 weeks...yea. I learned nothing that I'd use while on the trail in school. I have not said one Module since I've been here. (2-58 Infantry, Sandhill, Fort Benning, Georgia). I have a couple of great Battle Buddies, (SSG) DS Turner and (SSG) DS Fuentes...without them I would not make it. This job is the most challenging that I have had. Joe (DICK...Dedicated Combat Infantry Killers) comes up with something new EVERY day!!! But when you march them across the graduation field it's all worth it. I know it's kind of late in my career for this...but my mentor (CSM Austin) said it would be the best thing for me. All good things come to an end...They took my Drill Hat away and gave me back my soft cap. On the 16 of January 2001 the BN Commander and CSM gave me Echo Company, 2-58 Infantry. I'm looking forward to the challenges that are ahead. I made the E-8 list that was released on April 2001, and the day after I found out the Battalion Commander frocked me (wearing the rank, and not getting the pay). The way the promotions off of the list are going, I should see the pay in a couple of months. Looking forward to that... I've been to Ranger School (13-'86), Airborne School ('85), Jumpmaster School ('92), Pathfinder School ('92), and Air Assault School ('96). I have been to the Primary Leadership Development Course, BNCOC, ANCOC, and the First Sergeant Course in Fort Bliss, TX ('97). I have my Expert Infantryman's Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and numerous awards including two MSM's and the Bronze Star. I have under 4 years to retire (BIG 20 YEARS)...believe me I'm ready for it. I recommend the Army to any young man. I do not recommend the Army for MOST females...Go Airforce! |
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