OIF 1 veterans give advice, see changes

01.28.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story by: Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr.

More than a few veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom are present in Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Brigade Combat Team for this rotation to OIF 3.

Some of these Soldiers will take the lessons they learned during their first deployment and apply them to situations they are likely to encounter this time around.

"It's going to be different this time," said JeanCarlo Lopez, an HHC 1st BCT planning specialist. "It was really hot the first time, so this time I am going to be better prepared for the heat. Before we were lacking a lot of stuff like water. Now I know that I need to stay well hydrated."

Even though new Soldiers will gain knowledge from the veterans, many things have changed since the last deployment to Iraq.

"The first time, you could see the enemy. You knew who you could engage and who you couldn't," Lopez said. "Now, it's not the same thing. It's all improvised explosive devices and ambushes. I guess it's going to be a lot harder now."

One of the things that will be awkward for Lopez is the fact that he feels they will need to be more alert than the first time, he said. "Before, the people were in awe of us, even scared. This time, they are used to having us around, and they will be braver."

Veterans of the first deployment will also be better equipped mentally to advise the Soldiers who are currently deployed here for the first time.

"Don't look at it as a year process," said Chief Warrant Officer Leonard Norfus, 1st BCT targeting officer. "You have to take it day by day or you will get overwhelmed."

Norfus advised against counting down the time a Soldier will be deployed, as that would also cause unnecessary frustration.

"Don't try to count the days you are here either because you will lose focus on the mission," Norfus said. "That's when you'll get yourself hurt."

Soldiers who are experiencing their first deployment have worries and concerns about being away from home and their loved ones for an extended period of time.

"I'm recently married, and being away from my wife during our first year of marriage is a bit upsetting," said Pfc. Chris Romanello, an early warning radar operator. "I hear that the first year of marriage is critical, but I know that I can't dwell on things going on at home. I have to focus on the mission at hand so I can get back to her safe and sound."

Senior noncommissioned officers who have faced these situations before say it all leads back to training and trust in your chain of command. They feel that these key elements will be the deciding factor in the Soldiers" frame of mind while they are here.
"It's not as bad as it seems," said Sgt. Maj. Johnny Felton.

"If you have faith in your training, and you believe in the wisdom and guidance of your NCOs, then you will be successful in your mission."

• Date Taken: 01.28.2005
• Date Posted: 01.28.2005 13:39
• Story ID: 967