I have always had an interest for law enforcement organizations such as Police, Military and etc. At the age of 18, I applied to the Police Academy of Amsterdam. However I never pursued it completely to see where it would bring me to. In 2011, I decided to join the Army to get a firsthand experience and said to myself if I don't like it, I could always get out after my first initial contract. Meanwhile I have reenlisted twice after my first contract and by the end of this contract I would be close to 7 years of service in the Army. Beside the responsibility that I felt as an American, I also saw the military as a great career and so far I have enjoyed the years that I have served. My awards and decorations received during
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I was part of a Security Force Assist and Advise Team (SFAAT), assigned to an Afghan National Army (ANA) Battalion. I really enjoyed this assignment because It was a unique mission. We were advising our Afghan counterparts on variety of topics such as Logistics (S4), Intelligence (S2), Personnel (S1), Operations (S3) and etc. It required me to engage with our partners on a daily basis. I loved the fact that I was able to learn so much about their culture and how their military operates. I was able to see how their world view shapes their perspective. After completing my tour in Afghanistan, I felt that I have learned so much from both the U.S. and Afghan side. I was able to see how different pillars of our own military works and shapes the Army. I did see our strenght and where they are driven from. I was also able to see the difference between the two military and notice some of the reasons behind ANA’s shortcomings. The worst assignment in my military career is my current duty station. It is located in a remote area far from civilization. Due to its nature as a National Training Center (NTC), it has one of the worst working schedules throughout the whole year. This takes a heavy toll on the families on the base. At NTC, every month, the installation is hosting a Brigade size element from the United States Army and will train them in a simulated training environment. Therefore everyone who is assigned to this duty station, either directly or indirectly is involved in the monthly
I was part of a Security Force Assist and Advise Team (SFAAT), assigned to an Afghan National Army (ANA) Battalion. I really enjoyed this assignment because It was a unique mission. We were advising our Afghan counterparts on variety of topics such as Logistics (S4), Intelligence (S2), Personnel (S1), Operations (S3) and etc. It required me to engage with our partners on a daily basis. I loved the fact that I was able to learn so much about their culture and how their military operates. I was able to see how their world view shapes their perspective. After completing my tour in Afghanistan, I felt that I have learned so much from both the U.S. and Afghan side. I was able to see how different pillars of our own military works and shapes the Army. I did see our strenght and where they are driven from. I was also able to see the difference between the two military and notice some of the reasons behind ANA’s shortcomings. The worst assignment in my military career is my current duty station. It is located in a remote area far from civilization. Due to its nature as a National Training Center (NTC), it has one of the worst working schedules throughout the whole year. This takes a heavy toll on the families on the base. At NTC, every month, the installation is hosting a Brigade size element from the United States Army and will train them in a simulated training environment. Therefore everyone who is assigned to this duty station, either directly or indirectly is involved in the monthly