Courtesy Photo | (Left), Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen, command sergeant major of the...... read more read more
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By Maj. Sonise Lumbaca
18th Airborne Corps
BAGHDAD - Timmonsville's very own Joseph R. Allen, the command sergeant major for the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C., is currently serving in the highest enlisted position at the Multi-National Corps - Iraq, at Camp Victory, Iraq.
Allen, the son of Joseph and Mary Allen, was born and raised in Timmonsville and later joined the Army after graduating Timmonsville High School in 1975. During his 30 years of service, he served as an infantry rifleman, an attack helicopter repairman, first sergeant for an armored cavalry regiment and the senior enlisted non-commissioned officer in various logistics units. He was the 82nd Airborne Division's Division Support Command command sergeant major before he moved on to become the CSM for the 1st Corps Support Command. Allen took his current assignment in 2006.
Allen deployed to Iraq with the 18th Airborne Corps headquarters in January which assumed command of the MNC-I headquarters from 3rd Corps out of Fort Hood, Texas while a rear detachment element, Task Force Bragg, remained stateside to continue the Fort Bragg mission.
MNC-I, which is a subordinate headquarters of the Multi-National Force - Iraq, is the joint service tactical unit responsible for command and control of operations throughout Iraq. Its subordinate commands are divided throughout Iraq into 6 major areas of responsibility maintained by more than 160,000 coalition forces from 26 countries.
"Our missions both here and stateside are tough ones," Allen said. "With our current record of past mission accomplishment, I know that we are up for the challenge."
The MNC-I transfer of authority ceremony between 18th Airborne Corps and 3rd Corps took place, February 14. Like the 3rd Corps, the 18th Airborne Corps is scheduled to serve a 15-month tour.
Allen, who comes from a military family that includes an uncle that served in Vietnam, has two son's who are also serving in the Army; with one also currently deployed to Iraq.
"My boys make me proud of the many things that they have already accomplished," Allen said.
Allen already has a number of combat tours behind him that includes Operation Urgent Fury and Operation Desert Storm. This current deployment is his second tour to Iraq. For many troops, they too share in the same experience.
"The hardest part about the deployment for these troops is getting accustomed to the environment," Allen said. "Iraq is nothing like home, however, we make every effort to make the troops feel at home."
Allen attributes an easier transition from home life to living under some of the most austere conditions to having prior deployment experience.
"Many of the troops here have already been deployed before, so they have a good understanding of the conditions on the ground," he said.
As for troops deploying for the first time, "This is where our outstanding combat vets step in and take that Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman under his or her wing. This is their family while they are away from home," Allen said.
Since the command's arrival, Allen has circulated the battlefield every week in order meet with troops and command elements throughout the Iraq. He believes that it is important for troops and leaders to continuously engage with each other as much as time allows.
"We have our methods of getting various types of operational information from the subordinate commands to conduct the mission; however I am a firm believer that getting some 'face time' with the troops is crucial to the mission and morale environment," Allen said.
Circulating throughout the subordinate command also assists Allen and members of the command in the assessment of the battlefield. After only being deployed for a little more than two months, Allen says that he continues to see progress within Iraq.
"Although there has been considerable security progress, we are not ready to declare victory," he said. "While the gains have been significant, they remain fragile in many areas."
Allen added that a key component to the progress made stems from dedicated and diligent members of the Iraqi security force and the local communities rejecting extremism and indiscriminate violence associated with the groups.
Allen concluded, "this is serious business that we are in, so we want everyone back at home to know that every precaution is taking place to take care of your husbands and wives, and sons and daughters while we are here. Know that they are proud to be contributing to a cause greater than themselves; each day selflessly putting the needs of others ahead of their own in order to protect their families back at home and to protect the innocent lives abroad."
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2008 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 18039 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 717 |
| Downloads: | 659 |
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