Fort Bliss Soldier Making History

Photo By Staff Sgt. DeMarco Wren | Newly promoted Sgt. Craig A. Easler, a native of Sangerville, Maine, and electronic warfare specialist with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, made U.S. Army history by being the first soldier to be promoted, to sergeant in his military occupational specialty on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 2. Easler was promoted by Chief Warrant Officer Michael Gudmodson, Easler’s officer in charge.  

EL PASO, TX, UNITED STATES

05.05.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. DeMarco Wren 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

EL PASO, Texas - Newly promoted Sgt. Craig A. Easler, a 33-year-old native of Sangerville, Maine, and father of two has made U.S. Army history by being the first soldier to be promoted to sergeant in his military occupational specialty.

The MOS currently consists of more than 200 enlisted personnel in the Electronic Warfarefield including Easler, who is with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Ready First” 1st Armored Division. As a corporal, Easler was the most junior in the entire MOS. On May 2, Easler was promoted to his current rank of sergeant.

Lt. Col. Chris L. Connolly, Easler’s former battalion commander, stated he believes Easler’s previous experience in satellite communication coupled with his knowledge of information technology made him an ideal candidate for his MOS.

Easler diligently pursued the road to obtain his current MOS.
He did not meet the requirements for the MOS at the beginning but after becoming knowledgeable of what they were, he worked tirelessly to obtain those requirements, according to Easler. He didn’t have Warrior Leaders Course but he enrolled and completed the course. He was not an NCO, so he worked hard to be become laterally promoted to corporal. For all of his hard work he received a letter of recommendation from the Battalion Commander to go to the Advanced Individual Training.

He initiated contact and gained rapport with Ms. Nicole Knight, the Personnel Analyst with the Department of the Army, who was very instrumental in his quest to become an EW and sergeant.

According to Ms. Knight; to date, Easler is the only active component corporal to have graduated the EW AIT and be promoted to the rank of sergeant.

The school is an intense nine-week course at Fort Sill, Okla. Easler completed the course and upon his return to Fort Bliss, he was immediately deployed to Iraq making him the first junior-enlisted EW to go into combat.

“I’m very privileged to have overcome this milestone,” stated Easler. “While making history is a great honor, it gives me greater satisfaction to show soldiers they can achieve any goal with desire, determination, and support; regardless of their rank.”

Easler, who recently returned from a workshop at the Pentagon, impressed the instructors so much with his knowledge and insight, his feedback will help write the Technical Manual for the MOS.

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Gudmodson, Easler’s officer in charge, stated Easler knows all the vital functions of the equipment and is an absolute necessity. Being the officer in charge of a well deserving soldier who has made history is an honor and I have total confidence in his abilities.

While in combat, Easler was recognized for his performance by Lt. Col. William Cantrell, the Division Electronic Warfare Officer, and awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He also was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal due to his unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.

• Date Taken: 05.05.2011
• Date Posted: 05.13.2011 12:50
• Story ID: 70335
• Location: EL PASO, TX, US