Photo By Staff Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly | Army Cpl. Ethan Macfarlane, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st...... read more read more
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ZAGAN, Poland – Army Cpl. Ethan Macfarlane is a very articulate, humble young Soldier whose energetic mentality has led him on a path of success early in his military career. He seamlessly interacts with Soldiers not only because his position requires it, but also because they respect him.
As a junior noncommissioned officer, Macfarlane is in an unusual position. With less than three years under his belt, he’s taking charge of an entire brigade-level military intelligence section during his deployment in Zagan, Poland.
Macfarlane, who enlisted as a geospatial engineer, is operating in a section where he is the only one of his kind.
“As an engineer taking the helm of the military intelligence section of the brigade, I’m learning more and more each day,” said Macfarlane. “You wouldn’t believe how much I learn from my Soldiers every day. Everyone is a 35 series, I’m the only one that isn’t M.I. (military intelligence).”
The position of NCOIC for the brigade S2 is designed for the rank of a master sergeant. This leaves Macfarlane in a unique position as a Soldier working at a level four ranks beyond his own. As a corporal he has to account for several officers in addition to lower enlisted Soldiers.
“Cpl. Macfarlane is competent beyond his years and consistently outperforms those serving in positions four levels above his pay grade,” said 1st Sgt. Andrew O’Dell, assigned to HHC, 1st ABCT, 1st CD. “As a junior NCO, his execution of the responsibilities inherited with that position has been on par with the experience expected from a senior NCO that would normally fill that slot.”
Before galvanizing his comrades and leadership with his quick and forward thinking, Macfarlane attended Syracuse University, triple majoring in neuroscience, biology and psychology. However, now that he has some experience in a different field, his plans have changed.
“I originally wanted to be in the medical field but now that I’m an engineer, I really want to stay an engineer,” Macfarlane said. “I like how the community is. They’re a cross of all the smart guys and the gung-ho guys.”
So far, taking up this position is the most difficult task Macfarlane has had to take on since joining the military. Challenging himself is something he appears to have an affinity for, with future endeavors planned in attending sapper school, air assault school and Special Forces selection.
“My soldiers motivate me,” Macfarlane said. “They’ve all been doing really well since we’ve been out here. It might show that I’m doing so much, but they’re really the backbone behind it.”
Originally from May’s Landing, New Jersey, Macfarlane proudly highlights his family’s history with the military. With a great-grandfather who earned the rank colonel in the U.S. Army, a grandfather who was a first mate in the Navy and an uncle who served as a Navy SEAL, he has plenty of inspiration.
When they push themselves to be great, Soldiers of all ranks, experiences and backgrounds can make positive waves. Macfarlane continues to push forward and be an example for his fellow warriors.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2018 10:31 |
| Story ID: | 282270 |
| Location: | ZAGAN, PL |
| Web Views: | 366 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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