Russian linguist helps lighten intel load

Photo By Johnny Saldivar | Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Maez, Combined Joint Task Force Troy data manager, works with improvised explosive device data received from regional analysts here Sept. 24, 2009. This information is utilized to gain a better understanding of the enemy and how these devices are impacting the security situation in Iraq. Maez is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and hails from Tucson, Ariz.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.30.2009

Story by Senior Airman Alyssa Miles 

U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq -- In 2008, Tech. Sgt. David Maez, Task Force Troy data manager here, was notified that he would be deploying to Iraq as part of a weapons intelligence team.

Deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Maez automatically knew he would not be performing the same duties while in Iraq.

"As a Russian linguist, I knew that if I deployed to this region, I would not be doing my primary job," Maez said. "I really didn't know what I was going to be doing. I heard I was going to be on 'WIT' — I didn't know what WIT was."

It wasn't until WIT training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., that the non-commissioned officer received hands-on experience of what he'd be doing in the area of responsibility. Now five months into his deployment, the native of Tucson, Ariz., has a full understanding of his job here, and ultimately, the reason he is performing it.

As part of the WIT team here, Maez is responsible for managing data pertaining to U.S. and host nation casualties caused by improvised explosive devices for the Iraqi Joint Operating Area. This information gives a better understanding of the enemy and how these devices are impacting the security situation in Iraq. Army Gen. Raymond Odierno, Multi-National Forces-Iraq commanding general, as well as other high-ranking officials use this information, according to Master Sgt. Loren Poole, regional analyst cell NCO in charge.

"The benefit of having Sergeant Maez on the team is the different aspect of his intel background," said Sergeant Poole, a native of Little Rock, Ark. "The linguist is somewhat different from the rest of intel in that their focus is on the language. Intel in general takes months of training and the folks who come here have to learn how to do their job in a matter of days to replace redeploying personnel. As a junior NCO, he brings a level of leadership that is needed for the task at hand.

"To come from being a linguist to an all source intel job specifically, is really significant," he said. "On-the-job training is not something we do in the intel world, and to have Sergeant Maez step in and fulfill that role is excellent."

Maez easily interpreted how crucial his mission here is.

"I know it's an important job, and it needs to be done quickly, and more importantly, correctly," he said. "I enjoy what I do -- working with the analysts to provide the most accurate data for Task Force Troy. It's a lot of work to go through 600-plus reports and coordinating with the analysts to make the necessary changes in order to meet requirement deadlines. It's a good feeling to finally finish the week's work."

Poole, who is deployed from MacDill AFB, Fla., attests to Maez's achievements here.

"Taking on a different job that you have not thoroughly trained to do is not easy," he said. "There have been some trying times such as the differences in working with the other services, but Sergeant Maez adapted to the environment very well."

• Date Taken: 09.30.2009
• Date Posted: 09.30.2009 07:10
• Story ID: 39472
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ