Photo By Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. | Maj. Michael Babilot, Regional Command Southwest comptroller, is the enthusiastic...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – For better or for worse, money is very much an integral component of all military operations, ranging from tactical to humanitarian. Managing and accounting for this lifeblood of day-to-day operations would appear to be, at first glance, an exceedingly stressful job that’s envied by none.
Maj. Michael Babilot, Regional Command Southwest comptroller, is the enthusiastic financial manager currently undertaking the crucial work of handling RC (SW)’s funding situation.
“I manage the personnel, which in turn manages the funding that RC (SW) has available for its tactical mission, as well as the urgent humanitarian support that we provide to the local populace,” said the Weedsport, N.Y., resident.
Although he does not have a frontline position in direct support of combat or tactical operations, Babilot’s job ensures that Marines are able work without worrying about money issues. Without Babilot’s effort of managing finances, operations including conducting humanitarian aid or raiding a Taliban stronghold would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
“My role is critical to the operations of Regional Command Southwest,” Babilot said. “It’s not the lead role that you have with operations or with the C9 for our governance and economics. We are entwined with all the roles of all the staff sections, at both the Regional Command Southwest command level and our subordinate command levels, to ensure that there is a ready flow of funds to execute the requirements that they have and conduct the missions that they require without having the funds run dry.”
Babilot takes deep pride in his work every time he is able to help alleviate the financial worries of units trying to start projects or plan operations.
“I like to be able to assist and help out with the requirements process,” Babilot said. “I like being able to help folks and properly define what they need and see it through to fruition through funding and certifying that the proper funds are available to either contracting or a local vendor source. This has an actual impact on the battlefield and the efforts all over this country. “
Babilot began his military career as an enlisted air traffic controller, fulfilling a life-long dream to serve the U.S. military. With a mechanical, civil and electrical engineering degree from Clarkson University, he was able to take advantage of the Enlisted Commissioning Program.
“ I was looking to have some fun, figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and then transition back into the work force,” Babilot said. “Since the Marine Corps didn’t have something that aligned purely with my engineering education from my undergraduate studies, I went along with one of my other interests, which of course, is money. Financial management in the Marine Corps seemed a sensible job choice, and it has been quite fulfilling. I originally thought it was going to be four years, but it’s still fun, so I’m still here.”
Although a stressful and demanding task, managing the finances for RC(SW) is no problem for Babilot. As long as there is a need for money to conduct military and civil operations in Helmand province, Babilot will be there to handle to funds.
“Just like the government needs the treasury, Regional Command Southwest needs the comptroller,” Babilot said.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2011 11:23 |
| Story ID: | 64389 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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