Photo By Sgt. David Hodge | 1st Sgt. Rakimm Broadnax-Rogers, Company C, 4th Support Battalion, serves as the only...... read more read more
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By Sgt. David Hodge
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Growing up in Montgomery, Ala, Rakimm Broadnax-Rogers wanted to join the military from a young age to see what it was like.
After 16 years of service in the U.S. Army, 1st Sgt. Rogers is the only female first sergeant currently assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, at Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad's Rashid District.
"Never once have I felt isolated," explained Rogers who is assigned to Company C, 4th Support Battalion, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "It actually dawned on me in Kuwait when the brigade command sergeant major called a meeting with all the first sergeants. I looked around and that's when it became obvious to me that I was the only female."
Rogers held various duty positions throughout her career, such as operations sergeant, battle staff non-commissioned officer and anti-terrorism program manager.
Rogers admits being a female in her position can be challenging at times.
"There are instances when I am in a setting and the male first sergeants are strictly talking about combat or infantry, and then they see me and realize that there are support elements contributing to the fight too," explained Rogers, a 2001 graduate of Columbia Southern University.
While speaking to a group of Soldiers, often dominated by males, Rogers said there would sometimes be a barrier, even though she was a subject-matter expert.
"But quickly that barrier would be overcome," she explained.
Throughout her Army career, Rogers served in the Army Reserve, active duty, and Army National Guard and stationed at different military bases in the U.S. and Korea.
At the FOB Falcon troop medical clinic, Rogers' Soldiers provide a myriad of services other than typical clinical operations to 1st BCT Soldiers, such as the brigade medical supply office, medical evacuation operations, combat stress team, FOB Falcon flight operations and Iraqi security forces partnership training.
Rogers and her Soldiers trained approximately 200 security personnel in first-aid in recent months and are currently working to train them in a combat life-saver course, which is considered an advanced first-aid course.
Rogers said she influences her Soldiers through training, counseling, and mentorship, which are all essential and fundamental aspects in developing Soldiers into leaders, whether it extends to a successful career in the military or towards their civilian job after the military.
"Leaders owe this to their Soldiers to ensure they receive the training and guidance they need to maintain a constant state of readiness and confidence in their ability to perform when faced with challenges beyond their normal limits," explained Rogers.
Shortly after assuming her first sergeant responsibilities in December 2007, Rogers implemented a mentorship program for the Soldiers in the company.
"I get mentored at least once a month at a minimum," said Spc. Jessica Scott, a combat medic from Cincinnati, assigned to the Evacuation Platoon, Company C. 4th Support Battalion, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. "It taught me things that most Soldiers without experience wouldn't have known."
The mentorship program gives Soldiers an opportunity to bridge a gap in communication and fosters an environment where everyone is learning from each other, explained Rogers.
All the Soldiers try to take care of each other, even if they are from another platoon, said Spc. Nicole Manley, a combat medic assigned to the Treatment Platoon, Co. C. 4th Supt. Bn., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B.
"My mentor spent the extra time with me to prepare me for the board," stated Manley, a San Antonio native.
Rogers said the program also capitalizes on leader involvement with the Soldiers.
"I felt that it was imperative that every junior enlisted Soldier get something that I didn't get," explained Rogers. "It's been highly effective and affords each junior enlisted Soldier and leader the opportunity to grow and excel beyond the limits of the monthly professional growth counseling."
"1st Sgt. Rogers is very professional," Scott stated. "She cares about the development of her Soldiers."
Upon redeployment, Rogers plans to complete her master's degree in health care administration.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2008 07:30 |
| Story ID: | 26195 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 661 |
| Downloads: | 133 |
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