Sgt. Raheem Johnson isn't your typical mess Sergeant

Photo By Staff Sgt. Paul Roberts | Sgt. Raheem Johnson, a Philadelphia native and food service noncommissioned officer with Forward Support Troop, 2d Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, puts buffalo-style chicken fingers into a field container used for transporting hot meals to the field during live-fire exercises at Smardan Training Area, Romania, March 27, 2015 during preparation for Operation Windspring. The 2/2 CR is currently involved in training for Operation Windspring, a multinational operation conducted with British and Romanian troops and a critical component in Atlantic Resolve-South. Units supporting AR conduct continuous enhanced multinational ground-force training and security cooperation activities with allies and partner nations in Eastern Europe. Atlantic Resolve is a visible demonstration of U.S. commitment to its NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Roberts, 314th Press Camp Headquarters)  

SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, ROMANIA

03.27.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Paul Roberts 

314th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, Romania - Sgt. Raheem Johnson isn’t your typical “mess sergeant” in Forward Support Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Grafenwoehr, Germany. The Philadelphia native had almost seven years of experience in the culinary field prior to joining the Army.

He earned his certification in the culinary arts with Job Corps in Philadelphia and proceeded to work for universities and local restaurants before embarking on a new career path. Johnson chose the military occupational specialty 92G (food service specialist), one he has been working in for eight years now.

“Right now the path that I’m on, I’m very happy,” said Johnson.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” he added.

Johnson’s previous culinary experience enabled him to “fast track” while in advanced individual training. Instead of having to go through the full nine-week course, he was able to cut the time in half based on the level of his certification.

“Actually, I’ve exceeded some of my own expectations as far as where I’m at right now,” said Johnson.

He may be new to the noncommissioned officer corps, but already has his mind set on making the Army a career. Johnson’s ultimate goal is to achieve the pinnacle rank of sergeant major of the Army before he retires.

Johnson is proficient at his craft and doesn’t find his challenges come in the kitchen but in the management of Soldiers as a new leader.

“Just as far as being a leader, a new leader, getting to know Soldiers and trying to get the mission accomplished and at the same time, cater to your soldiers needs [has been the challenge],” Johnson said.

Even though he has been invited to join culinary competition teams, Johnson doesn’t enjoy competition as much as he enjoys being in the kitchen and working with his Soldiers.

“I just enjoy cooking,” he said with a smile, “I enjoy teaching.”

Johnson is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experiences with his Soldiers and knows that if he isn’t sharing what he knows, then he isn’t the leader that his Soldiers deserve and need.

“You have to be very logical and have your head in the game when you’re cooking,” he explained. “Your mental stability will be tested.”

For him, the ability to share his passion, his drive and his knowledge with Soldiers is the highest calling and leads to the true molding of the future in his career field.

• Date Taken: 03.27.2015
• Date Posted: 03.31.2015 02:47
• Story ID: 158619
• Location: SMARDAN TRAINING AREA, RO
• Hometown: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US