Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hohman | First Sgt. Steven Loduha uses the last few minutes as first sergeant with 572d...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Soldiers with the 572d Military Intelligence Company, Mojave Troop, welcomed 1st Sgt. Kevin Connaughton as their new company first sergeant during a change of responsibility ceremony March 5 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Connaughton assumed responsibility of Mojave Troop, attached to the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from 1st Sgt. Steven Loduha.
The change of responsibly ceremony is a traditional event that is rich with symbolism and heritage. The key to the ceremony is a change of position and responsibility between the incoming and outgoing senior noncommissioned officer.
Loduha assumed responsibility of Mojave Troop only a year ago, months before a scheduled nine-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
“It was definitely an interesting assignment,” said Loduha. “Coming from the armor world, I didn’t really know a lot about military intelligence company operations.”
One of the major responsibilities a first sergeant holds is ensuring personnel and equipment are placed in the areas and positions needed to be effective. The diversity of specified intelligence career fields soldiers hold in a military intelligence company, like Mojave Troop, can be a challenge for any first sergeant.
“If you look at our battle roster, there are about 20-plus career management fields in this company. Figuring out what those are and what they do is definitely a challenge in itself,” said Loduha.
The challenge allowed Loduha to grow as a leader and learn about a side of the Army he never had a chance to experience before.
“I never thought my first job as a first sergeant would be with a MICO, but blessed to have the opportunity to do it,” said Loduha. “It was a great experience.”
Connaughton looks forward to the opportunity to lead the battle-tested Mojave Troop.
“I am very excited about taking over,” said Connaughton. “It’s going to be a brand new unit here in a few months.”
Having just returned from deployment, Mojave Troop will soon have a large percentage of soldiers transfer both in and out of the unit.
“It is an opportunity for me to mold the company. I really look forward to having the opportunity to develop junior leaders,” said Connaughton.
Connaughton has taken charge of Mojave hitting the ground running, but he plans on observing the operations within the company before implementing any changes.
“I haven’t really told anyone anything yet,” said Connaughton. “I am just sitting back and just seeing how everyone is doing things.”
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2013 19:48 |
| Story ID: | 103219 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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