From front line to support, first sergeant continues to serve

Courtesy Photo | First Sergeant Matthew Chase, first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to his new company after his change of responsibility ceremony at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu chapel, May 30.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.05.2008

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – From patrolling village streets to helping mold the next generation of commissioned and non-commissioned officers, 1st Sgt. Matthew Chase has helped shape both Iraq and his Soldiers.

Now, the man who worked to bring about so much change is getting a change of his own.

Chase, the first sergeant of Company C, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, is leaving behind his duties on the front line and moving into a support role, taking over duties as first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-3 Brigade Troops Battalion. This is the first time in his 18-year career Chase will be leading a support company, having spent his previous time with maneuver companies

While the move seems like a 180-degree turn, the native of Long Island, N.Y., said he understands how vital the new position is based on his front-line experience.

"All the aspects (of the BTB) contribute to the battle," he said. "They are all combat multipliers."

Like other Army brigade troops battalions, the 2-3 BTB performs a variety of missions to support its parent brigade, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. With military police and engineer platoons and signal and military intelligence companies, the battalion provides critical assets to support Soldiers on the ground.

In his time with Company C, Chase said he often relied on the BTB Soldiers he now leads.

"They have a fine route clearance team, dog handlers and great medical support," Chase said. "Working with these different (military occupation specialties) will be exciting."

It is difficult to leave behind the Soldiers the life-long tanker has led for the past two years.

"I'm leaving behind truly the greatest tank company in the 3rd Infantry Division," he said. "They are second to none."

It is that type of excellence Chase hopes to see in his new unit as well.

"I'm looking forward to training our newly promoted and young NCOs and officers in the fundamentals of leadership," he said.

Chase is well suited for the job, and not just because the slot he now fills is for a senior armor NCO, said 1st Sgt. Travis Bean, HHC, 2nd BCT first sergeant.

Bean, a native of Glennville, Ga., is the former first sergeant of Company D, 1-30th Inf. Regt. During his time in that position, he worked with Chase and got to see him in action.

"He was my battle buddy out there," Bean said, adding Chase did a phenomenal job training and leading Soldiers both in Iraq and before deploying.

That combat experience, Bean said, will help his friend of five years transform HHC, 2-3 BTB, into a better unit. "This is his second deployment. He brings experience to the job."

Chase's ability to mentor Soldiers also will help him in his new position, Bean added.

"Whether five Soldiers or 500, the concept is still the same," Bean said.

Though his move to the new unit means more Soldiers to interact with, Chase is eager to take on the challenge.

"I'm very excited to remain in 2nd Brigade," Chase said. "I'm thankful for Col. (Terry) Ferrell (2nd BCT commander) for giving me this chance."

• Date Taken: 06.05.2008
• Date Posted: 06.05.2008 14:34
• Story ID: 20146
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ