Photo By Sgt. Marcus Gable | Spc. Kenta White of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, a native of...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Benjamin Gable
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – When a group of Soldiers from Fort Sill, Okla., were preparing to deploy last summer, they found out they would be taking on a mission completely outside their normal duties.
The Soldiers of Battery A., 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, attached to the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, were originally trained to be multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) crew members. Their job tasks ranged from returning fire with rockets, to patrolling neighborhoods in Baghdad.
With the ever-changing needs during war, these Soldiers were given a crash course in training in a new military occupational specialty (MOS) as radar operators. For these Soldiers the course was shortened from eight weeks to four.
"I enjoyed the chance to learn a new skill," said Sgt. Jose Benigno, a native of Bryansroad, Md., and now a radar operator with the unit.
Instead of returning fire to the enemy, they are helping defend the base from incoming munitions. They now man a radar system keeping their eyes on the sky, waiting and watching for enemy fire.
"It was an easy transition," said Sgt. Luis Juarez, now a radar operator with Battery A. "We just have to stay alert and on our feet for threats to our assigned area."
Once the unit's deployment ends in September, they will return home to Oklahoma and resume the duties of MLRS crew members.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2007 07:12 |
| Story ID: | 11456 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 129 |
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