DOHA, Qatar - Thanks to six years in the military, Sgt. Oscar Maciel brings vigilance, a keen knowledge of weapons and time management to his job daily at the Lea County Correctional Facility in Hobbs, N.M. "I like working there, because it goes along with [my] military experience," said the U.S. Army National Guardsman, who is a correctional officer at the facility.
As an Avenger air defense missile system] crewmember in Battery B, 1st Regiment, 200th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion, 111th ADA Brigade, a unit in his hometown of Hobbs, Maciel is accustomed to being ready for anything. One of his main priorities at home with the unit is to perform Avenger crew drills, which help keep the soldiers in practice and prepared in the event they need to conduct real-world air defense operations.
Maintaining a constant attitude of alertness is something he also uses in his civilian role. "It's something different every day," Maciel commented on his correctional facility role, "[and] it keeps you on your feet because you never know what's going to happen there. At any time, something can always kick off."
Training, achieving and sustaining this level of readiness in the military is why attendance of the unit's monthly drills is so critical. Even though he has a busy schedule at his civilian job, Maciel has no problem coordinating with his boss, Security Warden John Choate, so he can be there when needed. "They are very supportive on drills," he explained. "They give me time off for drill dates."
He doesn't have much to worry about concerning his job while he is deployed either.
"They said that I had job security to serve my country," confirmed Maciel, "and said if there was anything I needed, to call them."
Maciel said he first joined the Army because he hoped it would open new doors for him, and it did. His Army training paid off when he was hired three and a half years ago at the correctional facility, where some of his responsibilities are to provide security as the inmates engage in recreational activities and church services, among other details. Now, in Qatar, he is assigned to Central Command (CENTCOM) Deputy Directorate for Force Protection to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) under USCENTCOM.
USCENTCOM, which is located at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa (HOA) through the Arabian Gulf region, and into Central Asia. USCENTCOM is one of nine unified commands in the Department of Defense (DOD).
CENTCOM's mission includes enhancing regional stability and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to regional security. CENTCOM is also responsible for executing the Global War on Terror in its assigned area of responsibility (AOR), which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and HOA. Other important USCENTCOM activities include humanitarian and security assistance programs, as well as combined training and education opportunities for military members in AOR nations.
This is Maciel's first deployment ever, and he has no regrets about embracing this new phase of his military career. "It was good to try something new," said Maciel of his service during OIF.
OIF, which began with the liberation of Iraq in 2003, has resulted in two democratic elections, a constitutional referendum and the development of a professional Iraqi security force. In partnership with the Iraqi government, the coalition forces are helping the Iraqi people defeat terrorists and build an inclusive democratic state.
The Coalition forces, to include the Iraqi army, are conducting full-spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize the former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. Coalition forces organize, train and equip Iraqi security forces, in order to create a secure environment that allows the reconstruction process to continue.
Maciel makes the most of his time away from his guard post by weightlifting at the gym and playing basketball.
He also believes strongly in being supportive of the other soldiers in his unit. "Your fellow battle buddies become your new family," said Maciel.
Maciel said he misses his own family at home. Although he is the first in his family to join the military, he can rest assured they understand his decision and are right there behind him. "They're really happy I decided to serve my country and are very supportive," he affirmed.
He said he looks forward to taking time off and enjoying a vacation when he returns, as well as getting back to the job.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA, allows Maciel and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their civilian jobs following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the information agency for the employers of America's new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at (800) 336-4590.
Maciel credits his success so far to "living the Army life and living up to the Army core values every morning." "You can't go wrong with that," he concluded.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2006 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 5643 |
| Location: | DOHA, QA |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, Lea County Correctional Facility gives deployed employee freedom to succeed, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
