Soldier in focus- 2nd Lt. James Bowden

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Second Lt. James Bowden, a mortar platoon leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, inspects vehicle tires before going out on a mission, May 19. He joined the brigade in Iraq about a week ago, and has already established a rapport with the Soldiers of his platoon.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.29.2009

Story by Spc. Ruth McClary 

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD — Speaking in a calm, tranquil voice, 2nd Lt. James Bowden, a mortar platoon leader of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, describes his transition from officers candidate school into real-life war.

Bowden, a native of Siler City, N.C., entered the North Carolina Army National Guard as an officer candidate in December 2006 and began the 18-month training at the Military Academy in Fort Bragg, N.C., before attending two further courses at Fort Benning, Ga.

A former Marine from the 1980s, Bowden reentered the military knowing he would be a wartime leader serving his state and country. As a civilian, he serves his community as a police officer.

"As a 17-year police officer, I feel as though my non-conventional, urban warfare experience is an asset both tactically and professionally," said Bowden.

After his coursework, Bowden traveled to Camp Shelby, Miss., for 35 days of deployment training and mobilization, while the rest of the brigade was ending its training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.

Once he caught up with the Soldiers of his platoon in Iraq, Bowden introduced himself and began working to get to know the Soldiers of his command.

"I met with the non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted to give them a brief biography, telling them what I expect of them and asking what they should expect of me," said Bowden.

After only four days in Iraq, he already has a relationship with the Soldiers of his platoon.

"What helps us to have a good rapport with the lieutenant is that he and most of the NCOs are right around the same age," said platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. James Savage, of Wallace, N.C. "We kept in contact and tracked his training. Now that he's here we are excited to have him."

One of the junior enlisted Soldiers said Bowen's experience on the streets as a police officer makes him above average and he feels confident under his command.

"He meshed right in, it was a smooth transition for all of us," said Spc. David Collins, an infantryman from Douglasville, N.C. "He's a people person who reads people well. I feel very confident with his command."

Bowden spends time with the Soldiers who are becoming like family.

"A platoon is a small family," Bowden said. "Bonding with the Soldiers is the most enjoyable time of an officer."

Bowden said the mortar platoon's official tasks are to act as a quick response force, provide private security details, carry out mounted and dismounted missions and be infantry riflemen.

Bowden said they do hip-pocket training on mortar familiarization, warrior task reviews and weapons maintenance to keep their skills sharp and intact.

Unofficially, the platoon is taking the responsibility to make sure the weight room has electricity and is well stocked.

As he prepares to go on his first mission with three members of his platoon, Bowden, with a direct, blue-eyed stare, emphasizes the confidence he has in his platoon.

"A platoon leader makes sure the intent of the command is carried out," said Bowden. "This platoon is an asset to the battalion, whatever is needed we are there to support the main effort."

• Date Taken: 05.29.2009
• Date Posted: 05.29.2009 05:32
• Story ID: 34260
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ