After 20 years in the military, infantryman finds new opportunities serving in SFAB

Photo By Staff Sgt. Amanda Fry | Sgt. First Class Michael Ortiz visits with Ghana Armed Forces soldiers as they prepare to take a group photo during peacekeeping training in Bundase, Ghana. Ortiz, a New York native assigned to the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, says his experience working with SFAB has given him a wider range of skills as a Soldier and has helped him expand his more than 20-year career in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Fry)  

BUNDASE, GHANA

02.03.2022

Story by Staff Sgt. Amanda Fry 

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

BUNDASE, Ghana — The 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade is comprised of U.S. Army Soldiers from a variety of backgrounds and career paths. In order to join this unit, Soldiers have to prove that they can be resilient and learn new skills, as they work together on a small team to provide training and support to military partners throughout Africa.

Sgt. First Class Michael Ortiz, an infantryman assigned to the 2nd SFAB, has found ways to expand his own skillset as he works to prepare military personnel in the U.S. and with partner countries for security missions throughout Africa.

The New York native said he made the decision to join the military after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More than 20 years later, he continues to find a meaningful career working alongside fellow SFAB Soldiers in missions all over the world.

Ortiz said joining the 2nd SFAB has helped him expand his skills as a soldier.

“It’s a unique opportunity to do something in different places, to be able to advise and teach,” Ortiz said. “This job forces me to become a better infantryman, a better Soldier. I have to be an expert, not only in my job, but in other jobs as well.”

Ortiz is part of a 12-person team currently working in Ghana. The team assists in training exercises with the Ghana Armed Forces, a mission that Ortiz says has provided opportunities to learn more and gain perspective while they work with their multinational partners.

Ortiz says that being a member of a smaller team means that the members have to work together. Being willing to take on new challenges and work outside your comfort zone is a requirement.

“In SFAB, I don’t want a person on my team who, if I ask them to do something, they say, ‘That’s not my job,’” Ortiz said. “I think the best thing I can take away with SFAB is that there is a mentality with the Soldiers that says, ‘Hey, I don’t care if this isn’t within my lane, I’m going to take on the task and study it, and crush it, and be a better Soldier for it.’”

• Date Taken: 02.03.2022
• Date Posted: 02.14.2022 07:24
• Story ID: 413911
• Location: BUNDASE, GH