Photo By Sgt. David Hodge | Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, the top enlisted leader for Multi-National Forces -...... read more read more
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By Spc. David Hodge
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – The U.S. Army's top non-commissioned officer in Iraq visited Forward Operating Base Falcon to speak with "Raider" Brigade senior non-commissioned officers and to visit Iraqi national police checkpoints in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad on July 1.
Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, the senior enlisted leader for Multi-National Forces – Iraq, spent the day talking with Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and visiting with members of the Iraqi security forces at various checkpoints in the Risalah community.
"The greatest (NCO) Academy in the Army is right here in Iraq," said Hill, who hails from Memphis, Tenn. "Nowhere else can the leaders spend 24 hours – everyday – with their Soldiers; nowhere can Soldiers be taught to do their job while faced with combat conditions."
After visiting a few 1st BCT "Raider" Brigade units stationed on FOB Falcon, Hill sat down at the Raider Café dining facility to answer questions from senior NCOs and presented his coin to Soldiers who were nominated for their outstanding performance since their arrival in Iraq.
"Some of these Soldiers deserve more than a coin," Hill explained to the leaders in attendance.
By the time the Soldiers return home to the United States, they will have as many medals as Audie Murphy, Hill jokingly stated. However, even the revered Audie Murphy does not have an MNF-I CSM's coin.
"These Soldiers will always be able to say the top enlisted Soldier in Iraq took time out of his busy schedule to come to my FOB and give me a coin – and they will be reflecting on the wrong thing," Hill explained. "What these Soldiers should be reflecting on are the Soldiers they work with every day. They are the ones that appreciate most what you do. It is because of those Soldiers who nominated you based on your performance."
After answering questions for the senior NCOs, Hill and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bobb, the senior enlisted leader of the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., donned their gear and set out for the Risalah neighborhood to visit the joint security station and policemen from the 3rd battalion, 5th brigade, 2nd national police division.
After a short meeting and mission brief with Iraqi Sgt. Maj. Mohammed Abu Mustafa, the senior enlisted leader of the 3rd Bn., 5th Bde., 2nd NP Div., the combined patrol paid visits to different checkpoints along a major thoroughfare in the area.
"Before we started operations in the Risalah area, it was controlled by militias," said Mustafa. "By working as a team, we beat them and now have control of this area. After we got the area secure, we moved our focus to providing more services to the citizens. That has contributed to much of our success."
Upon completion of the day, Hill thanked Bobb and his Raider Brigade Soldiers for showing him how a few of the many different jobs at FOB Falcon contribute to the war effort.
"I appreciate the opportunity to come and spend some time with the Soldiers," Hill stated.
Bobb said that Hill is one of the most down-to-earth command sergeants major whom he has had the privilege to meet.
"With knowledge and experience spanning the last three decades, Hill's guidance is unparalleled," Bobb said.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2008 16:10 |
| Story ID: | 21125 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 247 |
| Downloads: | 73 |
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