Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Sardam | QATAR - U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. James A. Butzen worked for Ajilon Finance, a...... read more read more
By Spc. Jennifer Sardam
CENTCOM Public Affairs/ESGR Forward Team
QATAR - U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. James A. Butzen worked for Ajilon Finance, a temporary accounting and financial staffing service in Milwaukee, Wis., for one year when he was mobilized to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Now, still deployed to OEF, he's an alternate team leader at U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Forward Headquarters in Qatar, responsible for providing security on the installation and training his soldiers. Although his military and civilian occupations may seem unrelated, some of the skills needed for both jobs are the same.
Basic skills gained from soldiering can sometimes shape the future civilian employee.
Butzen's civilian role as an accounting clerk with Ajilon requires the attention to detail constantly reinforced in the Army and other branches of the military.
"I think people in the civilian world look for skills like organization and discipline," said Butzen.
With 15 years of military experience behind him, Butzen brings skills such as these to both sides of his career.
At his home station in Racine, Wis., Butzen is a gunner in Battery C, 1st Battalion, 126th Field Artillery. He regularly assists the section chief on the preparation and firing of the 155 mm howitzer (Paladin) and in training the section. He's currently deployed to USCENTCOM with Btry. C, 1st Bn., 120th FA.
USCENTCOM, located at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa (HOA) through the Arabian Gulf region, into Central Asia. USCENTCOM is one of nine unified commands in the Department of Defense (DOD).
Central Command's mission includes enhancing regional stability and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to regional security. CENTCOM is also responsible for executing the Global War on Terror in its assigned area of responsibility (AOR), which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and HOA. Other important USCENTCOM activities include humanitarian and security assistance programs, as well as combined training and education opportunities for military members in AOR nations.
Butzen says he feels confident about returning to his employer. "My employer has shown great support for the troops deployed for OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom)/OEF," he said. "When I get back, I'm sure there's a home for me there."
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA, allows Butzen and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their civilian jobs following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the information agency for the employers of America's new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at (800) 336-4590.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2006 14:29 |
| Story ID: | 5543 |
| Location: | QA |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 25 |
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