OFFICER, UNITED STATES ARMY
1992-1996

   
I was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Georgia. This unit has the distinction as the Army's premier Heavy Rapid Deployment Force. My unit was 4-64 Armor, Tusker Battalion.  

The first two years I served as a Tank Platoon Leader in 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 4-64 Armor. I was promoted January, 1994 to First Lieutenant and assigned as Executive Officer of Delta Company, 4-64 Armor.
On combat maneuvers at the Army's  
National Training Center
Why Tanks?
Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been fascinated with the military, especially tanks.  I read everything I could get my hands on, and by age 12 I had memorized George C. Scott's famous speech in Patton, one of the best Tank movies ever made!  In high school I gave reports on German Panzers and Soviet T-34s.  When I entered college, I actually enrolled in Veterinary medicine (I happen to be a cat lover to).  Army ROTC looked cool, so I decided to give that a try also.  Well, I quickly fell in love with physical challenge and great toys!  So, I did my four years in ROTC, and in 1992 I was commissioned as an officer when I graduated.  I got my first choice, Armor and selected the 24th Infantry Division as my unit,  I had to go with the best!

There are currently 10 active divisions in the United States Army. The 24th Infantry Division (recently renamed the 3rd Infantry Division) was the only Rapid Deployment Division in the Army (and in the world) that could rapidly deploy Main Battle Tanks. The ability to rapidly deploy (within 18 hours) a company of 14 seventy ton tank requires massive logistics and training. Following Dessert Storm, my division pioneered the Army's doctrine of rapid deployment of the Main Battle Tank (designated M1A1). During my four years, I trained and helped develop this new military doctrine.

My first two years.
I was a platoon leader my first two years.  I hated being a platoon leader, you have no idea what you are doing, and no one listens to you (because you don't know what you are doing).  By the time you figure out what your job is, they promote you!  A platoon leader is overall responsible for his platoon, a unit of 15 men and 4 tanks. The platoon is the basic combat unit for tanks. My duties included the maintenance of the four tanks, the welfare and training of my soldiers, and various additional duties.

My last two years.
When I made 1st Lieutenant in Jan, 1994, I had the fortune of working with one of the best commanders in the United States Army, Dennoris Watson.  He taught me how to be a commander and care for your troops.  He was also a brilliant tactician.  Working with us was one of the best NCO's I have ever met, Dawson P. Justice.  This man defined the word discipline.  All I had to do was take top out once a week for a steak dinner, and he made sure I had the best unit in the Army.  My job title was executive officer of a tank company, a unit of 3 tank platoons and one headquarters platoon, totaling 65 men and 14 Main Battle Tanks, valued at over $35 million dollars. As second in command, my priority was unit logistics and maintenance of all equipment.
 
 
 
 

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