Contributed by SFC Ysen
OPERATIONS SERGEANT, DAYS
The Operations Sergeant, Days, serves as the Operations NCOIC of a deployed Corps Support Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom V. With an assigned strength of over 1,400 Soldiers, their role involves providing technical and doctrinal advice to the S3 and commander. They assist the Battle Captain in conducting rehearsals and executing actual battle drills. Additionally, they supervise a team of 6 NCOs and 1 enlisted Soldier. Their responsibilities include assisting and supervising the Plans NCOs in the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), preparing the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) for orders, drills, briefs, and rehearsals, handling and distributing FRAGOs, Red Cross messages, and Serious Incident Reports (SIRs), as well as ensuring the commanders’ update briefing (BUB) is rehearsed and allocating time for briefing the commander(s) and staff. In addition to their primary role, they also hold additional duties as the BN Historical Clerk, BN Customs Border Clearance Agent, Health and Welfare Inspector, and Safety Officer.
OPERATIONS SERGEANT, DAYS
The Operations Sergeant, Days, serves as an Operations Sergeant in a deployed Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom VI. The battalion consists of nine companies and has an assigned strength of 1,443 Soldiers. As the principal enlisted advisor to the Battle Captain, their responsibilities include coordinating battle space assets and tracking the movements of Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs). They collect and report line-of-sight communication data to optimize real-world VHF-FM networks. Additionally, they ensure timely reporting of sensitive items, serious incidents, and training statistics. They are responsible for the health, welfare, training, and operational readiness of six NCOs and one Soldier. In the absence of the Battle Captain, they also perform duties as the Battle Captain.
FLIGHT/OPERATIONS NCO
The Flight/Operations NCO serves in a deployed Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom VI. With an assigned strength of over 1,400 Soldiers, their role involves coordinating critical flights for the movement of personnel and equipment in Iraq and Kuwait. They also inspect redeploying unit personal bags, equipment, and shipping containers while functioning as a Customs Border Clearance Agent. Monitoring communication systems in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and disseminating critical information related to operations, enemy intelligence, and personnel accountability is another aspect of their responsibilities. In the event of a compromised brigade headquarters, they assume duties as the network control station.
RADIO TELEPHONE OPERATOR (RTO)
As a Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) in a deployed Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom VI, their primary role is to maintain a critical link between the companies and battalion leadership. They receive, process, disseminate, and track critical information in a timely and accurate manner. The RTO records all actions of the staff using a DA Form 1594 (Staff Journal), updates charts and overlays, and handles spot reports, messages, and message relays. They are responsible for taking immediate action upon receipt of Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR) or Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI).
TRAINING NCO The Training NCO
serves in a deployed Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom VI. With an assigned strength of over 1,400 Soldiers, their role involves supervising 3 NCOs and managing the dissemination of Fragmentary and Operation Orders received from the brigade to staff sections and subordinate units. They develop taskings based on unit capabilities and assets, oversee and track training requirements for 9 subordinate companies, and coordinate weekly training meetings for the Command Sergeants Major and First Sergeants.
FORCE PROTECTION NCO
As the Force Protection NCO in a deployed Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom VI, their primary responsibility is ensuring the overall protection and security of two dining facilities that cater to an average of 20,000 patrons daily. They supervise a separate guard force for the Post Exchange and surrounding businesses, ensuring the safety and security of the area. Additionally, they oversee the force protection elements within the battalion’s area of responsibility, identifying and mitigating risks and weaknesses. They play a crucial role in coordinating and supervising small arms range operations for the 9 subordinate companies, ensuring proper training and safety measures are in place. In this capacity, they are responsible for ordering ammunition, targetry, and supplies to support future range operations, contributing to the readiness and effectiveness of the battalion.