It's that time again...
The blog I maintained while in Korea was a great tool to document my exploits and adventures while keeping family and friends up to date. I have decided to start a new one because "RiceNrockets" is no longer fitting....
In the comings months I will find myself yet again forward deployed, manning the ramparts of America's primary vehicle of tactical ballistic missile defense. However, this time we will be monitoring the skies of the Middle East, not Korea. The exact country is classified information, held at the Secret level, so I can't say where I am going. I can say that it is NOT Iraq or Afghanistan, but in the neighborhood. Recently General Petraeus acknowledged a buildup of missile defenses in a few countries in that area.....
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/world/middleeast/31missile.html
Our original timeline had 3-2 deploying in late 2010, but it was accelerated for a number of reasons. All of which have to do with our people doing their jobs extremely well.
"So Derek.....what exactly do you DO?"
My current position is Fire Direction Section Officer in Charge (FDS OIC). I am a Tactical Director in the ICC during deployed operations, but I also direct the Air and Missile Defense training for all of the fire unit crews. In Korea I did this at the Battery level, and now I am in charge of training for all of the crews in the battalion. I am responsible for a small section of soldiers who will pull shift work in country in the ICC, functioning as the primary interface between the fire units and the Army personnel located with the Air Force bubbas. Another piece of my job is conducting briefings for all kinds of VIPs. My counterpart in the unit we are replacing has done over 30 briefings in less than a year. Host nation Generals, our Generals, various civilian VIPs, embassy officials...all kinds of people. Since I love getting up in front of folks and briefing, I am looking forward to this portion of my job. Lastly, the defense design for the region is always being scrutinized and altered to achieve maximum effectiveness for the defended assets. As such, I will be playing an active role in symposiums and briefings to discuss the effectiveness of the current setup, and how we can make it better.
We are currently in the "Do everything all at the same time" phase of unit preparedness. Crew certifications, Soldier readiness, equipment readiness....all somehow getting done concurrently.
The exact date is not known for our deployment, but for those in the know, I probably will miss the baby's birth this summer.
That's all the news for now....I'm sure there will be more to follow.
-D
that sucks if you miss the baby's birth this summer but everyone will understand why and that it is your job to be gone from time to time. even thought people don't like miss out on alot sometimes we have no say so on what goes on from day to day. and you have plenty of friends and family who will always be there for you and your wife and family when you are there or not there you guys are always in our thoughts and prayers.... there are tons of Americans backing our military and all that they do for our freedom..even if that means the soldiers have to take time away from there loved ones.... so thank you for all you do for this country and to allow us to keep are freedom...... let us know if you guys need anything anytime... natasha bright
ReplyDeleteYou're MY brother! :) Thanks for setting up the blog, I dig it. That's pretty cool about all the fancypants officials you brief. Let's video chat in the near future. -kel
ReplyDeleteCould you please add to your "About Me" designation that you're also a "beloved former student at the University of Texas"?? We miss you, Derek. I'm working with several FAOs at the moment to get them graduated and back in the field with at least a better knowledge of the region they've been deployed in, not to mention some language knowledge. Like you, I'd like to think that we're helping to contribute to the effort -- conscientiously. Take care, D. We miss you and love you.
ReplyDeleteGlad you started up a new blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's always entertaining to learn about the exploits of my old unit!
Nice blog son ! Great way to keep in touch.
ReplyDeletemamma walsh
Hey Derek - Good luck on your new assignment.
ReplyDeleteWe feel safe already! Send us your new address when you get it and a wish list. I'm thinking that Reese Peanut Butter Cups would not hold up well.
All our love and prayers,
Aunt Deb