[Big Brad O]

Aloha Gang,

My name is Brad. I am a SSG in the intel section of the 1/20th SFG out of Huntsville AL. I live in Freetown Sierra Leone and I run the local gurad force at the U.S. Embassy here.

I joined the Army Reserves after high school in 1991 as a 91B (Combat Medic). I decided to go active in 1993 and the only MOS that offered the airborne option was 96B (Intel Analyst). I was on active duty for two years and then went on IRR for a couple of years.

I missed it and joined the USAR again, this time as a 96B for the 345th MI Bn in Augusta Georgia (my hometown). We were activated after the attacks and I went over for OEF and OIF but never left the CFLCC C2 in Kuwait. We supported the ops from Camp Doha. After 26 months on active duty I was put back on reserve status.

I ETSd out in early 2006 but again missed it so I joined up for another six year hitch but this time I got smart and joined Special Forces, 1/20th SFG (ABN) ALNG. I can say without a doubt that it was the best move I have ever made since I first signed up.

I have done more training, had more fun, and felt most proud the past year and a half than I ever did in anywhere else in the army. The support folks like me were sent to the SFBCC last year and I shot more ammo, learned more useful things that will save my life, and felt more confident that I can deploy with my unit and be an asset than all my other years of AT's added up.

Joining SF is the best military choice I ever made. I am not sure what will happen in the next four years but I look forward to doing my part to make the unit and teams I support the best they can be.

Airborne All the Way!

Brad
Freetown, Sierra Leone

P.S. Feel free to drop me a line if you are coming to West Africa or want info on this part of the world firsthand.

BO