This paper explains the different experiences and the similarities I experienced as a First Sergeant in Crusher & Hatchet Company, 1-187TH Infantry Regiment. Both companies presented completely different experiences but they were equally...
By the early-1960's, the United States Army was again engaged in conflict, now in Vietnam. As the war progressed, the attrition of combat, the 12-month tour limit in Vietnam, separations of senior noncommissioned officers and the 25-month stateside...
In early February 1996, the state of Oregon experienced the worst flooding in its recorded history following 3 days of rainfall measuring 12 inches. With record snow levels in the Cascade Mountains coupled by unseasonably warm temperatures, river...
Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities as a Headquarters and Headquarters First Sergeant before, during, and after a major deployment is not an easy task. You have to ensure that you’re Leaders, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Soldiers...
First Sergeant duty is one of the greatest honors and privileges a Noncommissioned Officer can do during a career. It’s even more special when leading Soldiers during wartime operations. Looking into the faces of Soldiers who are looking back...
John Ryan joined the Army at an early age. He believed that everything he did was for the benefit of the country. He was famous because he was Custer's first sergeant. After the Army, he joined the police force continuing to serve his country. John...
Fifteen thousand U.S. paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division stood on the parade field for Division review. The Battalion Commander called us to attention and gave the command "Eyes Right". The Division Commander rolled by standing in the...
Few enlisted Soldiers have captured and recorded the experiences and lifestyle of the enlisted Soldier during the nation's history. One such author is 1SG Percival G. Lowe. Through his journals and later his novel, "Five Years a Dragoon", he...
Each year near the end of September, the Department of the Army hosts an event known as The Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year Competition. This event spotlights 20 Soldiers, representing 10 Army Commands (ARCOM), to test their skills...
This paper describes the events related to the mobilization of the 1st Battalion, 285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to Fort Hood, Texas for unit certification by 21st Cavalry Brigade, with a follow-on deployment to Afghanistan in support of...
The 22d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Iraq December 2004 to November 2005 to provide public affairs support to Task Force Liberty in north-central Iraq. The detachment conducted missions throughout its area of operations to collect...
I was a First Sergeant in the famed Second Infantry Division from April 2002, until July 2003. Security measures were high on all military installations due to the frequent civil unrest in the Republic of Korea. Political tension was rapidly...
From back of photo: In a "better than" imitation of the Ink Spots, this quartet of American soldiers broadcasts over the Rennes, France, radio station. They are L to R: SSG Irwin K. Thomas; SGT Henry Watson; 1SG Hilton Branch; and SGT Leo J....
This personal experience paper covers my time in the United States Army. There is nothing classified talked about in the paper as I have never been involved in anything classified while in the United States Army.
This paper will talk about my...
This paper will cover key events and lessons I learned as 1SG during the deployment of a
Reserve unit, the 351st Ordnance Company (Ammo) during its 13 month deployment to Fort
Lewis, Washington in support of Operation Nobel Eagle and its...
The Guard experience has changed dramatically since 1073. I joined the California Army National Guard in 18 January 1973 after much bullying from an older brother who was already in the guard. I enlisted combat engineer 62D. The Guard experience at...
The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) History is one to remember. Some people may ask what the 508th PIR (Red Devil) is and why is it important? A brief look back into time will answer these questions.
The 508th PIR was activated on February...
Regardless of the fact that the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion saw no real combat action, they proved themselves great American paratroopers. A popular term in those days was "Black Pride"; this small group of black American soldiers gave life...
The 5SSth Parachute Infantry Battalion or the "Triple Nickel" as they were called was the first African American Parachute Infantry test platoon, company, and Battalion. They were pioneers because they were the first African-American soldiers...