Photo By Michel Sauret | Sgt. 1st Class Ed Schlottman, personal security non-commissioned officer for the...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Amber Emery
Multi-National Division - Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Ed Schlottman is a Soldier with a multitude of military experience, from being part of a Marine reconnaissance team, to an Army drill sergeant to a personal security detachment team leader for a division level brigadier general; he has certainly acquired a large spectrum of knowledge.
Due to cut backs in the Marine Corps after Desert Storm, Schlottman had to decide whether to get out of the service or choose another branch, thus starting his Army career in 1994.
"This is the first deployment I have done with 10th Mountain Division. Most of my deployments were with the Marine Corps. I did a lot of work in South America and Japan," said Schlottman, personal security non-commissioned officer for the deputy commanding general of operations. "I was a drill sergeant for three years, so that kept me from deploying but right after drill sergeant duty I went to Korea then I ended up here."
Schlottman said he has learned a great deal of the higher level tasks and functionality of the Army from his current position.
"One of the greatest things about this job is being able to work close with people who are pretty high up in division staff, so you get to see more of the big picture," said Schlottman. "It's really like a big learning experience for me."
Though holding an important position is a true learning experience for Schlottman, a native of Williamson, N.Y., it also comes with several challenges.
"One of the challenges is sleep. But the biggest challenge is staying really focused on our job and the task at hand because the battlefield is not like it was in 2003," said Schlottman. "Just not letting people get complacent. Things have calmed down quite a bit but it is still dangerous out there. For my job and working with the general, I always have to be on my toes."
Through the challenges and experiences of this deployment, Schlottman has gained not only a better knowledge of how the Army functions but also takes from it life-long memories.
He recalled the most memorable event was standing in the same hallway with the prime minister of Iraq, but feels the everyday missions will be what he remembers most.
"The most memorable events of this deployment have been being able to get out to the smaller combat outposts and forward operating bases, and sharing the experiences with the Soldiers on the ground," said Schlottman. "Just being an infantry guy, I enjoy being out there with those guys."
The responsibility and fast pace of his current position produces an unpredictable schedule but Schlottman does his best to find ways to relax.
"To unwind I read and listen to music," said Schlottman. "I also email to stay in touch with the other side of the planet—that is a big stress reliever."
Anxiously awaiting Schlottman's return is his wife Carol of 18 years and two sons Eddie, 11, and Elijah, 8.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2008 14:00 |
| Story ID: | 25910 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 274 |
| Downloads: | 81 |
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