Photo By Sgt. Nevada Jack Smith | Sgt. Brandon Cleary, 28, of the Field Logistics Element based out of Forward Operating...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE MASUM GHAR, Afghanistan – Sgt. Brandon Cleary, 28, of the Forward Logistics Element based out of Forward Operating Base Zangabad is a critical asset to the brigade’s resupply efforts.
Cleary, a squad leader in the 296th Brigade Support Battalion’s FLE, which supports 1-23 Infantry, is the only non-commissioned officer in his platoon other than his platoon sergeant.
“Our mission is to support the battalion and the units attached to the battalion,” Cleary said. “If we weren’t here those guys wouldn’t be getting food, water, ammunition, or any other supplies.”
As the only junior NCO in his platoon Cleary shoulders multiple duties and is responsible for the physical security, supply loading, maintenance, planning, and navigation of convoy logistic patrols.
Cleary has enjoyed serving in the Army for the past five years.
“I love the variety in my job. No day is the same,” Cleary said. “One day I can be out clearing fields with engineers, and the next day I can be delivering water to a FOB.”
“My most memorable experience was doing a clearance mission just south of Sperwan Ghar, where we did what we call tailgate resupply,” Cleary said.
Cleary and his soldiers followed behind the soldiers running the clearing operation, resupplying them from off the back of their own trucks.
“Being out there in the wide-open and being able to resupply the guys so they could keep fighting was a real adrenaline rush for me,” Cleary said.
The young leader from Tuscaloosa, Ala., takes pleasure in his role as an NCO and his responsibility to mold young soldiers.
“Being an NCO is hard, but enjoyable,” Cleary said. “It’s probably the most rewarding thing about being in the Army. I get to lead these soldiers and bring them up so that hopefully they can one day be great NCOs.”
He spoke briefly on the impact his task force has had on the area and the role he and his men play in it.
“We have pushed a lot of Taliban out of the area considering how the area was when we first got here, and you can definitely tell the difference in the people and how they act,” Cleary said. “Just knowing that what I’m doing is helping other Soldiers, who in turn are helping the local Afghans stay safe, is a great feeling. I really feel like we are making a difference.”
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2012 11:33 |
| Story ID: | 97658 |
| Location: | PANJWA'I DISTRICT, AF |
| Hometown: | TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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