Why we serve: Spc. Eric Argento

Photo By Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods | U.S. Army Spc. Eric Argento, a signal systems support specialist with the 267th Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Durable, works on antennas at Combat Outlook Post Hairantan, Afghanistan, Feb. 5, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. V. Michelle Woods/Released)  

AFGHANISTAN

02.05.2013

Story by Sgt. V. Michelle Woods 

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

AFGHANISTAN - There are several different reasons why military members enlist to serve their country. One reason often given by soldiers is to generally better their lives.

For Spc. Eric Argento, signal systems support specialist, 267th Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Durable, however, there was nothing general about his reason for joining the Army. It was all part of a specific and intricate plan he developed to ensure his success in the future.

Argento, a Cincinnati native, said he also serves as his unit's radio transmission operator and assistant armorer in addition to his regular job. He said these are all steps that are helping him to get to his end goal which is to be on a SWAT team.

"I chose my job because it easily transitions into a civilian job.," said Argento, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. "I'm using the military as a stepping stone. I want to do SWAT after my service."

Argento joined the military two years ago and he said his first impression of the Army as a soldier made him think: "What am I getting myself into?"

Luckily this self described adaptable and optimistic soldier adjusted to the Army life.

"At first it was hard following orders from somebody just because they are in a position to give orders," said Argento. "Not thinking as a collective group but saying to myself, 'Okay this person does outrank you, just say roger and move on' that was probably the hardest adjustment for me."

He said once he got that down, he adjusted well to military life.

Argento credits part of his success to his leadership.

"A few of my noncommissioned officers have taught me the most about soldiering," he said. "Sgt. Scott is my current NCO. He takes care of me. He lets me do my own thing and then if I'm wrong, he corrects me."

Argento said his wife is 100 percent behind him on pretty much everything he does and his parents are very supportive to his military career as well.

Despite the support received from loved-ones, military life is not always easy for the father of two.

"It's hard being away from my family a lot," said Argento. "Being the armorer, I have to stay at work a little bit later and come in a little earlier than some of the other people. I miss my kids."

Argento said the down side to Army life doesn't sway his ultimate goals for his career and he serves for a greater purpose.

"I serve because it's something I felt I could do to help my country, to follow in both of my grandfathers' footsteps, and it's something I always wanted to do to build up onto my career," he said. "This was the best option for my career."

"I love it, it's fun," he said. "I'm glad I did it"

• Date Taken: 02.05.2013
• Date Posted: 02.06.2013 04:36
• Story ID: 101528
• Location: AF