U.S. Army Capt. Aubrey Casey, a signal officer assigned to the 22d Corps Signal Brigade on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, began her Army journey even before she enlisted four and a half years ago. A graduate of ROTC, Casey’s desire to serve was shaped by her family's deep-rooted connection to the armed forces.
"I come from a military family through and through," Casey explained. "Both my parents served. My dad did 20 plus years. My mom did 12. Both my brothers are also currently in as well - one’s a staff sergeant, the other’s a captain…So it’s all I’ve known.”
So far, Casey has served in many different roles- as a signal platoon leader in the First Cavalry Division at Fort Cavasos and a SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) representative. At the Corps level, her experiences have been anything but traditional, as she found herself on the team of a General, handling all communication tasks.
Recently, Casey showcased leadership and technical skills as the Officer-in-Charge of the Response Cell during Command Post Exercise 2 (CPX 2). She successfully managed multiple Signal Network Node (SNN) teams, ensuring vital communication networks remained operational without interruptions. Her collaboration with Battle Captains and S6 officers improved teamwork and set the stage for future exercises. Additionally, she provided help desk support and assisted with setting up communications at the Pittman facility before the exercise. Her leadership was crucial to the smooth and efficient execution of CPX 2, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Brigade.
Casey's current role as a single brigade operations officer keeps her busy, managing current operations and ensuring her battalion is informed and prepared for upcoming events. Despite the demands of her work, Casey remains steadfast in her commitment to the Army, with plans to serve for 20 years.
For Casey, the rewards are just too great. Beyond the tangible benefit (such as educational opportunities, which she highly encouraged newly enlisted to take advantage of), Casey highlighted the diverse experiences and perspectives that come with serving in the military. "I've met so many different types of people," she reflected. "I think that just made me a very diverse person, just being able to communicate with different types of folks from all over the world."
Casey added that she had even met her husband, another officer, through the Army.
Offering up advice to those considering joining the Army, Casey said; "You don't join the army because it's easy. You join because it's something unique, and it's something very honorable, in my opinion."
Casey expressed that the Army can provide valuable structure, discipline, and personal growth opportunities, so to anybody considering it, she said “take the leap of faith.”
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Date Taken: | 10.18.2024 |
Date Posted: | 11.12.2024 00:09 |
Story ID: | 484179 |
Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
Web Views: | 100 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Cadet to Career: A Signal Officer's Journey in the U.S. Army, by SPC Elizabeth MacPherson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.