Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Nicholas McCullough (right) with Sgt. Jacob Mitchell at the Expert Soldier...... read more read more
MONS, Belgium – A human resources noncommissioned officer assigned to Company B, Allied Forces North Battalion, recently earned the coveted Expert Soldier Badge after a short-notice opportunity to participate in training and testing.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas McCullough said he couldn’t pass up what he thought might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I saw an opportunity that I thought I might never get again,” said McCullough. “As a specialist my command sergeant major back at Fort Bliss gave me one chance to attend the Air Assault Course, and I took full advantage and was able to graduate successfully.”
“Similarly, Command Sgt. Maj. (Larry) Forrest gave me an opportunity while at AFNORTH,” said McCullough. “I saw another opportunity that I couldn't pass up.
“I just believe any opportunity for growth is always worth a shot, and you can only better yourself even with failures. There are always lessons to be had.”
The Expert Soldier Badge was created in 2019 as a parallel for the expert badges restricted to medical and infantry occupational specialties. Training and testing for the badges is now typically conducted simultaneously and referred to as E3B for the three expert badges authorized under current regulations.
To receive the badge, candidates must score expert on their individual assigned weapon, complete a 12-mile road march, pass the Army Combat Fitness Test, and successfully complete testing on 30 warrior skills and five commander-selected mission skills.
McCullough attributed his success to support from his family and especially support from his fellow Soldier, Sgt. Jacob Mitchell.
“Even after not passing through Patrol Lanes he (Mitchell) took the time to assist me to get my lanes down for the remainder of Weapons and Medical,” said McCullough. “And, having a support system back home was a huge motivator as well. My wife and family checked on me daily.”
Typically, E3B training and testing runs for two weeks, but commanders are authorized to train Soldiers year-round in preparation for the on-site event.
“E3B is meant to be uncomfortable, and it will make you do some soul searching every day. You have to be not only resilient but always know your why to get through those days,” said McCullough “I want to leave a legacy for my family name and my future kids.”
McCullough encouraged other Soldiers to take up the ESB challenge and gave some suggestions how to be successful.
“Take advantage of the additional time after mandatory training during the two prep weeks,” he said. “Stay after the training day has ended and ask questions. Find the people that understand the tasks and try to pick their brains as much as possible.
“I was shadow boxing the .50 Cal (machine gun) and the Mk 19 (grenade launcher) next to an Infantryman for hours until I could start remembering the sequences myself.
“The best advice I received during the actual test week was to worry about one lane at a time. No sense in worrying about claymore (mines) if you're currently testing on the Mk 19 right?
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
MCullough is currently at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy in Fort Jackson, S.C. where he is training for a two-year stint as a drill sergeant. After that assignment is complete, McCullough plans to pursue airborne and ranger school training.
“I have had aspirations to attend ranger school since joining the Army,” said McCullough. “But being a 42 Alpha (human resources specialist) has limited my opportunities to attend certain schools along my career as some of my leaders haven’t seen the need for a support MOS to be airborne or ranger qualified.
“My theory has always been the best way to effectively support combat MOS's (military occupational specialties) and make an impact on the force is to understand how those groups operate so you can apply your expertise appropriately and not just based on doctrine,” he said. “I truly believe airborne and ranger schools will assist me in my leadership skills and how to understand and better assist the force.”
McCullough said he believes Army training such as the airborne and ranger schools or preparation for the Expert Soldier Badge testing is useful for Soldiers no matter what mission they need to accomplish.
“Attention to detail even when you believe you have all the quick answers is fundamental,” said McCullough. “Too often we try to cut corners and get straight to the end point.
“If you master the basics and know how to execute them flawlessly, you are prepared to succeed at anything you want to accomplish,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2024 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 469745 |
| Location: | MONS, BE |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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