‘Keystone’ State-native assists in keystone training event at KMTB: Eagle Scout uses scouting experience to train 5th IA Div. jinood

Photo By Maj. David Repyneck | Spc. Scott Butz, an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, and Mertztown, Pa., native, reviews show times and range assignments for the next day's training with an Iraqi interpreter, Feb. 3. One of Butz's duties involves coordination of the Iraqi interpreters for support of daily training events during the 25-day Tadreeb al Shamil training cycle at Kirkush Military Training Base, Iraq. Butz's efforts during the second iteration of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, contributed to the training of Iraqi soldiers participating in 25-day rotations to KMTB as part of an Iraqi army training program to develop core competencies and develop collective tactical skills. The training program at KMTB increases external security capabilities of the Iraqi army, enabling Iraqi soldiers to sustain and maintain unit readiness providing a secure and stable Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

02.03.2011

Story by Maj. David Repyneck 

109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq – As the sun set on a late January evening at Kirkush Military Training Base situated in the Diyala province of Iraq, an Eagle Scout reflected on his contribution to a successful training event for the Iraqi army.

Spc. Scott Butz, infantryman, Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, explained his role in Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training.

“My job is to facilitate training,” said Butz, who hails from Mertztown, Pa.

“I’m [an interpreter] coordinator and Mountain Trainer,” he said. “I am also one of the few certified ammunition handlers here at KMTB. When the Iraqis have a training exercise, I make sure the numbers are right for small arms and mortar live-fire training.”

Working in support of Tadreeb al Shamil, U.S. forces provide oversight of Iraqi-led planning, coordination and execution of Iraqi-directed training for Iraqi army units.

Butz coordinated interpreter support for Company A trainers during the final phase of the first training iteration at KMTB, one of two training facilities in northern Iraq hosting the collective tactical training for IA battalions.

A certified Mountain Trainer, Butz also instructed Iraqi soldiers on basic skills and tactics for military operations in mountainous terrains.

Butz’s contribution and that of fellow Gator soldiers led to the successful training of Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division during Tadreeb al Shamil’s inaugural training cycle.

The first class of Iraqi jinood to successfully complete their training, graduated Jan. 28 in front of local, provincial, and military officials at KMTB.

Thanks to the efforts of Butz and fellow Gator soldiers, the Iraqi jinood completed the course’s training prerequisites, learning essential tasks for creating a self-sustaining training program, such as identifying ammunition requirements necessary to conduct tactical exercises.

Soldiers of Company A are training IA officers and non-commissioned officers to plan and conduct their own training, while developing a mechanism for training that will sustain the Iraqi army in the future.

The advise and assist mission of Operation New Dawn differs from what U.S. forces were required to do during previous years, said Butz.

Butz returned to Iraq in July 2010 for his second deployment to Iraq with Company A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt.

During his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09, December 2007 through February 2009, Butz said 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. conducted security patrols and distributed microgrants, small monetary grants to assist local Iraqi businesses.
Butz said his unit arrived in country in 2007 facing different challenges at the tail end of the “surge.”

Security, at that time, remained the most pressing issue facing U.S. soldiers and the people of Iraq and contributed to the extended length of the company’s tour, he explained.

Butz said his patriotism and willingness to serve his country resulted from his Scouting experience with Troop 575, Hawk Mountain Council, and his Scoutmaster’s involvement in his life.

Butz said his experience with the Boy Scouts of America and his interaction with his Scoutmaster, Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Hensinger, command sergeant major, 154th Quartermaster Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, based in Philadelphia, provided the foundation for his decision to join the military and serve his nation.

“Spc. Butz is an example of the new ‘greatest generation’ we have in America,” said Hensinger. “I noticed his leadership abilities early on, and I am so very proud to have shared in his life. I have so many fond memories of our experience on the trail to Eagle Scout.”

“Command Sgt. Maj. Hensinger helped a lot with my decision to join the Army,” Butz recalled. “Sgt. Maj. Hensinger stays in touch with me and he has been a positive role model for me.”

The Pennsylvania-native said his Scouting experiences continue to benefit him and members of his team and keeps him focused, he explained.

“Being an Eagle Scout helped a lot,” commented Butz. “I was able to enlist as an E-2 [private]—things like learning how to sharpen a knife the proper way, tying knots, camping, and hiking.”

His leadership abilities, nurtured in Scouting, contributed to his becoming a team leader in his platoon, sharing the traits and skills developed as an Eagle Scout with his fellow soldiers.

Once his Army career ends, Butz said he aspires to become a Pennsylvania State police officer.

• Date Taken: 02.03.2011
• Date Posted: 02.09.2011 09:47
• Story ID: 65069
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ