A day in the life of a CG's aide

Courtesy Photo | While cruising down Route Irish, Capt. Colin Mahle, a native of Sacramento, Calif., who serves as the aide de camp for the commanding general of Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, watches out the window of a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle in search of IEDs and other threats as the CG's convoy makes its way back to Camp Liberty May 19. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Aaron Rosencrans)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.24.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — The mission may seem simple to the casual observer upon initial inspection. However, when one adds the up minute-detailed battlefield updates, the ever-changing battlefield conditions, route security and the sheer load of coordination it takes in being the Multi-National Division – Baghdad commanding general's aide de camp – it becomes glaringly obvious the mission is anything but simple.

And filling that role is Capt. Colin Mahle, a native of Sacramento, Calif., who serves as the aide de camp for Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commanding general for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division.

In his role, he often sacrifices sleep and chow in order to ensure the CG makes it to his daily appointments smoothly and without any glitches.

"I never understood how important my job was until I actually got the position," said Mahle. "It's my duty to get the CG from door to door without any delays and with minimal effort on his part. This way, Maj. Gen. Hammond can be fresh and not exhausted when he makes decisions for thousands of Soldiers across Baghdad."

There is more involved in his job than just getting the commanding general from one installation to another, added Mahle. His job also includes researching the routes and keeping tabs on any significant events on the path en route to their next destination.

"My job extends beyond just getting the CG to the location of his next meeting or appointment," he said. "It's my job to get him to the building, walk him to the room and show him his chair if needed. I have to focus on the smallest details to ensure each mission is a success."

As with all unit commanders, they generally like to keep a close eye on the places where his or her unit is having the most trouble. As such, Mahle is able to quickly change course at the drop of a hat when the boss wants to cancel one appointment and check something else out.

"All commanders want to go to the hot spots on the battlefield," said Mahle. "One of my biggest challenges is dealing with the quickly-changing battlefield. One event can change the current operational environment, and the CG would want to cancel all appointments and go overview that area. At that point, I coordinate on the move, finding planes, trains and automobiles to get him to where he wants to be."

When things change or something doesn't go according to plan outside the wire, it is important for Soldiers to not lose control of their emotions.

"When we run into challenges while we're out on the battlefield, he always keeps his cool and doesn't let the situations get to him," said Sgt. James Eden, a native of Crosby, Minn., who serves as a team leader with the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B commanding general's personal security detachment. "If you're out in sector and you start freaking out, you start missing details. This is a detail-oriented job, so it's very important to stay calm and relaxed. He does a great job of dealing with those tough situations."

After a successful mission, Mahle's job still isn't over. As soon as he takes his body armor off, it's time to start planning for the next day.

"Whenever possible, I try to work at least 24 hours out from the next mission," said Mahle. "Every now and then, I get missions, which are scheduled for two or three days out, but most of the time I'm working on the arrangements for the next day."

With the never-ending cycle of planning and conducting missions, Mahle doesn't have much personal time.

However when he does have a chance to relax, he enjoys spending time with his wife, who has deployed with him this rotation.

"I'm lucky to have my wife here on this deployment," he said. "She just took command of her unit so she is really busy as well, but it's nice to spend time with her whenever we get a chance."

This wasn't the first deployment he and his wife have had together. However, the setup for the last deployment wasn't as favorable.

"Last deployment, we were both in Iraq together, but we were in different locations," he said. "Then, we were only able to see each other maybe once per month, which made the deployment very stressful. Now that were together in the same place, we act together as a support network so we can help each other out with the little things."

Even though Mahle's job can be stressful at times, he said he takes great pleasure in seeing his boss have a successful day because his work ultimately helps the CG make the best decisions he possibly can for his division.

"For me and the rest of the PSD, our reward is making Maj. Gen. Hammond successful," he said. "When we get him to the right place at the right time, that is our reward. He is in charge of over 35,000 Soldiers, so it's our place to ensure he can focus on the decisions he has to make for all of them, not how to get to his next appointment."

• Date Taken: 05.24.2008
• Date Posted: 05.24.2008 09:09
• Story ID: 19768
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ