NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Feb. 1, 2019) – Maintaining consistent quality control and providing sound administrative guidance to the commander's staff to improve the organizational structure and flow of correspondence is the daunting task of one individual at Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) – U.S. Marine Corps Manpower Officer 1st Lt. James Bird.
“The great thing about working in my field is being able to interact with Marines and Sailors across the entire task force,” said Bird. “No matter which office you work in, eventually you’ll need support from the Human Resources Directorate.”
Bird has served as TF 51/5’s adjutant for seven months, formulating and supervising the execution of command administrative policies; receiving and routing correspondence; preparing responses to special correspondence and forming management programs.
“Being a manpower officer has been an excellent opportunity to make an impact across the entire task force,” said Bird. “Everyone comes to TF 51/5 from very different backgrounds, both professionally and personally, and it has been an incredible experience to learn from each of them.”
While a substantial part of Bird’s time is spent managing administrative matters for the command to ensure Marines and Sailors’ administrative records are spotless, he takes a particular interest in overseeing TF 51/5’s military awards program.
“I am currently working to process combat awards for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) and I’m also working to streamline the awards process to make sure deserving Marines and Sailors are recognized for their hardwork,” said Bird. “Reviewing and processing the combat awards from SPMAGTF-CR-CC has been a humbling experience. Knowing that the Marines and Sailors brought the fight to the enemy is inspiring and has motivated my Marines to ensure they are recognized for their actions.”
TF 51/5 integrates land and sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Forces that conduct amphibious operations within the region and provide the ability for rapid operational movement of forces, while providing shore-based crisis response capabilities to the U.S. Central Command and Marine Forces Central Command commanders in their areas of responsibilities.
“Mostly, I handle the behind-the-scenes aspects of the command that enables it to administratively function day in and day out,” said Bird. “I don’t necessarily have a huge impact on operations but I enable those who do, to focus more intently on those commitments.”
A native of Kenilworth, Illinois, Bird earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montana. In his spare time he enjoys running and mountain biking.
For more information about TF 51/5 please contact TF 51/5 Public Affairs Officer, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sandra Arnold at sandra.arnold@me.usmc.mil or Marine Corps Capt. Adam Miller at adam.miller2@me.usmc.mil.