Landing support specialist turned security team leader: North Tonawanda native gains new experience during third combat deployment

Photo By Master Sgt. John Jackson | Sgt. Bryan Hall, the security team leader for 4th Platoon, Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, briefs his platoon prior to a night movement in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Oct. 4. Hall, a 24-year-old from North Tonawanda, N.Y. and a landing support specialist by trade, is gaining a whole new experience as a security team leader as well as an appreciation for a motor transportation platoon on his third combat deployment.  

AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2012

Story by Sgt. John Jackson 

Regional Command Southwest

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After becoming a Marine less than five years ago, Sgt. Bryan Hall has spent much of his time in Afghanistan. He is currently serving on his third deployment in Helmand province. While being deployed is something Hall has become accustom to, this deployment has been a whole new experience.

Hall, a 24-year-old from North Tonawanda, N.Y., spent time exploring his options before deciding to join the Marine Corps. After graduating high school, he tried the college lifestyle for a year. Then he found a job working in a factory. However, he still wanted more.

“Not to sound cliché, but I honestly wanted to serve my country,” Hall said. “A (Marine) buddy of mine was on leave back home and heard I was interested in joining. He took me to the recruiter’s office, and I signed up.”

Upon graduating from Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, Hall started his military occupational specialty school to learn to become a landing support specialist.

During Hall’s first two deployments to Afghanistan, he was assigned to Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Groups. There he was responsible for getting personnel and gear on to helicopters and ensuring they made it to the outlying forward operating bases in the area of operations. Additionally, he was a part of helicopter support teams, which load gear and attach it to helicopters to be transported via sling load.

While his first two deployments were a success and Hall enjoyed being a landing support specialist in a combat zone, his third and current deployment he is holding a billet he knew very little about.

Hall is the security team leader for 4th Platoon, Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 15. As the security team leader, Hall is responsible for the platoon’s overall security during combat logistics patrols as well as the platoon’s serialized gear and weapons.

“I really enjoy being the security team leader,” Hall said. “It’s a different side of the Marine Corps I hadn’t really seen before. I have really had the opportunity to learn a lot about a truck platoon and their mission.”

In addition to providing the overall security during the platoon’s movements throughout the battlespace, Hall also is the platoon’s primary landing zone coordinator in case of an emergency.

“With my background as a (landing support) Marine, it just makes sense,” Hall said. “In the event we need to get a Marine on a (helicopter) and to safety, I can communicate with the pilots and make sure the whole operation goes smoothly.”

Being a part of a motor transport platoon and the security team leader for that platoon is something brand new for Hall, but he has excelled at the position.

“Sgt. Hall’s overall abilities as a Marine have helped him overcome not having a motor transportation background,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Schlottmann, 4th Platoon commander. “During training, Sgt. Hall immersed himself in his new role quickly learning and improving himself. He now outperforms many of his motor transportation peers due to his hard work and willingness to learn new skills.

“Sgt. Hall’s performance has been outstanding. He’s involved in all aspects of the combat logistics patrol and has proven himself on numerous occasions.”

Sgt. Hall and his platoon still have a few months remaining in Afghanistan. While Hall looks forward to returning to his wife and one-year-old son, he plans on taking advantage of his remaining weeks deployed as a security team leader.

“I am really glad I have this opportunity,” Hall said. “It’s better than sitting at a (landing zone) for six months.”

• Date Taken: 10.06.2012
• Date Posted: 10.06.2012 08:58
• Story ID: 95801
• Location: AF