Photo By Sgt. Eric Guzman | Staff Sgt. Maurice Horstead, a native of Enterprise, Ala., and a network systems...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – The modern military has a pronounced reliance upon technology, both on and off the battlefield. The ever-changing field of information technology requires constant personal growth and a consistent dedication to remaining informed about the newest trends and advancements in the sphere of technology.
For Staff Sgt. Maurice Horstead, a network systems technician serving with Third Army, the time he has spent in uniform has served him well as a period of tremendous personal and professional development.
“I originally joined the Army because I didn’t feel like I was ready for a college environment,” said Horstead. “I’ve grown a lot since I’ve signed up.”
Ten years and five deployments later, the Enterprise, Ala. native is much more confident in himself and the role he fills as a soldier.
Having served in Egypt and Kuwait twice, and Iraq once, along with assignments at several posts throughout the United States, Horstead is all too familiar with the various aspects of life in the Army, using his experiences to efficiently complete his daily tasks and better his soldiers.
“My deployments have taught me how other organizations do things in terms of networking. They’ve been good experience,” he said. “The deployments have helped me learn how other people run their systems, which has made things easier this time.”
As a network systems technician, Horstead manages all of the computer accounts for Third Army users, including all user accounts and Microsoft Outlook mailboxes.
“I also provide support to the distinguished visitor quarters for visiting generals and tend to all of their networking needs. We manage all of the information management officers from my shop, so we check with them individually to ensure all of their issues are taken care of,” said Horstead.
Horstead’s tactical and technical knowledge of his job enables him to balance both the needs of soldiers outside of his shop as well as the needs of the soldiers he is held responsible for.
“My [military occupational specialty] is the greatest. It’s the greatest because the information technology field is ever changing. Technology is ever changing and you’re always learning something new. Even as you master one thing, there’s always something to learn,” said Horstead.
“You can’t just learn one thing and work off of that forever, you have to be able to learn new things and adapt. Knowledge is important, knowing is half of the battle,” he added.
By disseminating the knowledge he has gained throughout his career to his Troops, Horstead proves to be a valuable asset to the development of junior soldiers in his unit, not only as a trainer, but as a mentor as well.
“He is an outstanding leader, and he always puts us first,” said Spc. Donald Gore, a Collins, Miss. native and information systems specialist with Third Army.
“Anyone with that many years in has seen a lot, he sheds a lot of light on situations that other people can’t,” Gore added.
As a soldier, he knows how to accomplish the mission efficiently.
Realizing that organizations are most successful when each element works together, Horstead believes that teamwork is essential.
“My biggest lesson learned from deployments is that it’s easier to get the mission accomplished when you work as a team,” said Horstead.
Knowing how to lead soldiers is an essential part to keeping a team tight knit, and Horstead’s approach to leadership makes it easier for his troops to work with him.
“As a person, he’s a really down-to-earth guy,” said Gore. “He always comes to us as a oldier and a leader first, but he also knows how to come to me as a man and an adult, I like that about him.”
Ultimately, Horstead believes that his job is to train his soldiers to better themselves and to ensure they never stop aspiring to improve their situations.
“My goals as an NCO are to help my troops accomplish the mission as well as better themselves personally and professionally,” he said. “I want to tell people to never stop dreaming; whenever you think you have a big dream, dream bigger.”
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2011 03:14 |
| Story ID: | 63991 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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