Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Black | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan Hill with the Joint Intelligence Group is recognized...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Hard work, studying and preparation came together for two Joint Task Force Guantanamo service members who recently participated in the JTF Trooper of the Quarter boards. Army Sgt. John E. Murphy of the 525th Military Police Battalion and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan Hill of the Joint Intelligence Group were named the JTF Non-Commissioned Officer and Trooper of the Quarter, respectively.
Both service members, along with several other service members from across the JTF, were reviewed by a panel of senior enlisted JTF leaders and grilled on subjects ranging from military knowledge to leadership to current events.
"Going before the board is a great experience," said Murphy. "It builds your knowledge and builds confidence. I think it is something everyone should do at every rank."
Murphy has been in the Army for nine years. He's attended military boards in past units and while stationed at JTF Guantanamo attended the promotion board for staff sergeant as well as his company's NCO of the Month board. During these previous boards, Murphy says he felt he did well, but not as well as he could have.
"I was motivated by my nomination to attend the NCO of the Quarter board," said Murphy. "I think [my leadership] saw something that I did not."
To prepare for this board, Murphy studied the study guide and suggested reading provided to him as well as civics, current events, leadership and the Code of Conduct.
"It was not your typical Army board where they just ask a question and you answer it," said Murphy. "A lot of the questions required a lot of thought and analysis while you were in the hot seat."
For Hill, who has been in the Navy as an intelligence analyst for almost two years, preparing for his first board was a good learning experience.
"My friend helped me study every night and I talked to [service members from] different branches for help," said Hill.
Hill said the board was a relaxed but professional setting. His recommendation to others who are about to go before a board is to relax, breathe and practice facing movements on carpet.
"I will have a lot more confidence if I have to go before another board," said Hill. "I can also help others who are getting ready to go before a board."
After completing his first tour of duty at Guantanamo, Hill's orders will take him to Virginia.
"So far I plan to stay in [the Navy]," said Hill. "I've learned a lot here and the Navy has been treating me well."
According to the JTF command master chief, Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Scott Fleming, the competition was tough and all the candidates were extremely well-prepared.
For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 08.14.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2009 10:27 |
| Story ID: | 37641 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 218 |
| Downloads: | 170 |
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