Police Officer Transitions to Forward Observer

Photo By Spc. Jessica Dahlberg | Cpl. Martin Parker, 41, stands by the sign that marks Forward Operating Base Ramrod's presence. He is a forward observer for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

09.27.2008

Story by Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By Sgt. Jessica Dahlberg
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Cpl. Martin Parker, from Brenham, Texas, just might be the oldest corporal in the Army...or so his friends like to tell him.

Parker retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2006, and was looking for something else meaningful to do with his life. Since he has brothers in the Marine Corps and a father who was in the Navy, the military seemed like a viable good fix.

The 41-year-old forward observer is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Kandahar province.

"It's always been something I've wanted to do," Parker said. "I retired from law enforcement and still wanted to contribute something. I wanted to do something worthwhile."

Two months later, Parker arrived at Fort Knox, Ky. for basic combat training to begin his Army career.

The transition from police officer to Soldier was an easy one for him. It fit his experience and personality.

"I already had the discipline and team mindset down from being a police officer," Parker said, "but the thing I like most about the Army is the comradery and seeing the young Soldiers' bright and shiny motivation."

Parker's motivation has helped him promote quickly. He went from private first class to specialist and then to corporal in a span of seven weeks.

While here in Afghanistan, Parker is assisting his leadership in the utilization of artillery.

"I'm getting used to closing the gap between being confident in what I do and waiting my turn," he said. "I like to take charge when I see what could be the best possible outcome, but I need to stay in my lane. The problem is I like my lane and both lanes on either side of me."

He chose to become a forward observer because he felt that was the best application of his skills, he said.

"As a forward observer, we are the eyes of the Army," Parker said. "We set up concealed outposts and watch for the enemy and use artillery fire to screen our own movement, disrupt, illuminate or neutralize the enemy."

Early each morning, Parker is rolling out of bed to start his 18-hour day at Forward Operating Base Ramrod. Parker processes fire missions and plans targets of opportunity based on intelligence or in support of an upcoming missions. If troops come into contact, he is their go-to guy.

Parker admits that the physical demands of the Army may be a challenge for him in the future, but he plans to stay with the Army as long as he can.

"I would do this job forever, or as long as I can meet the physical requirements [which] might get slightly harder as I get older," Parker said jokingly. "It's my first deployment, but I will be re-enlisting."

• Date Taken: 09.27.2008
• Date Posted: 09.27.2008 08:08
• Story ID: 24209
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF