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    308th Chem. Co. NCOs lead, mentor, train Soldiers

    308th Chemical Co. trains warrior skills

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Hector Corea | Spc. Eric Smith, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the...... read more read more

    FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, UNITED STATES

    03.14.2015

    Story by Sgt. Hector Corea 

    302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif.-- Soldiers with the 308th Chemical Company conducted range operations, practiced patrolling techniques, and reinforced the role of noncommissioned officers during battle training assembly at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, March 13-15, 2015.

    “NCOs care so much about our training and our knowledge,” said Spc. Alisa Martinez, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the 308th Chem. Co. “They inspire us to do the best we can.”

    Noncommissioned officers are known as the “backbone of the Army” due to their role in leading fellow enlisted Soldiers to accomplish the mission. The 308th’s three-day long mission required Soldiers to zero and qualify with the M-16.

    “Marksmanship is a crucial skill,” said Spc. Francisco Lopez, a CBRN specialist and Sacramento, California, native with the 308th Chem. Co. “The NCOs do their best to support us.”

    From ensuring the safe operation of a firing range to teaching the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, 308th Chem. Co. NCOs sought to maintain unit proficiencies. This is part of the larger role NCOs play in developing individual Soldiers through leadership and mentorship.

    “An NCO leads by example, is motivated, enjoys what he or she does and takes the time to pass that knowledge that he or she has to Soldiers,” said Sgt. Joseph Reilly, a CBRN specialist and squad leader with the 308th Chem. Co. “NCOs have a huge influence on the success of the company.”

    Part of this success is derived from the experience and knowledge NCOs bring to the table and convey to fellow enlisted Soldiers.

    “The NCOs give us direction and allow us to learn,” said Spc. Bobby Kinard, a computer detection systems repairer with the 308th Chem. Co. and Pittsburg, California, native. “Out of all of the units I’ve seen our NCOs are the best.”

    “We have a very open leadership climate,” said Spc. Eric Smith, a CBRN specialist with the 308th Chem. Co. and Santa Barbara, California, native. “Everyone here is willing to help each other, from NCO to NCO, NCO to Soldier or Soldier to Soldier, we are all integrated.”

    NCOs also make sure to care for the welfare of fellow Soldiers, and prepare them for their roles as future leaders.

    “I see a lot of potential in the junior enlisted that are coming up,” said Reilly, a Seal Beach, California, native. “I’m privileged to be around such a great group of Soldiers that give 110 percent everyday and that are proud to be in the Army.”

    NCOs of the 308th Chem. Co. make sure to use battle assemblies to improve, cultivate, and convey the camaraderie, espirit-de-corps and professionalism to the future backbone of the Army—the enlisted Soldiers of the 308th Chem. Co.

    “I want to be an NCO because I know that I have it in me, I want to train and mentor others—I want to show them the possibilities.” said Martinez. “It’s helping people, motivating them, inspiring them to do better and lead.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.14.2015
    Date Posted: 03.15.2015 02:23
    Story ID: 157040
    Location: FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US
    Hometown: NAPA, CA, US
    Hometown: PITTSBURG, CA, US
    Hometown: SACRAMENTO, CA, US
    Hometown: SANTA BARBARA, CA, US
    Hometown: SEAL BEACH, CA, US

    Web Views: 447
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