74D FLIR FIDO system Instructor
Given three days notice, SGT Nyaupane developed, devised, and delivered training on the FLIR FIDO system to six Infantry personnel from TF Reaper's Charlie Light. The FIDO is a handheld explosives trace detector (ETD) that delivers sensitivity for a broad range of explosives, ensuring that users can easily detect threats. This training enabled its recipients to receive hands-on training with the system, and prepared Charlie Light personnel for mission success at JTC, where they are expected to utilize the system in mission rehearsals.
Following the classroom and hands-on portion of instruction, recipients of SGT Nyaupane's training remained engaged in asking questions that extended far beyond the FIDO system. Charlie Light personnel requested a more in-depth run through of A1's DRSKO system components; SGT Nyaupane adeptly delivered hip-pocket training on other dismounted CBRN recon equipment and their uses. SGT Nyaupane's expert instruction paved the way for future collaboration between 414th CBRN CO and TF Reaper's Infantry forces.
Smoke Generator Operator
The Smoke Platoon's Obscuration operations have benefitted from SPC Bowen's foresight and diligent service. SPC Bowen completed over 30 rotations with 100% effectiveness in Obscuration Missions. Furthermore, SPC Bowen is an asset to Smoke Platoon's mission readiness by being proficient as a TC for the Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader, proficient in operating the M1113 Coyote and Generator, and proficient in operating sustainment resulting in 100% mission capability, ensuring readiness for current and upcoming Obscuration operations and missions.
SPC Bowen has been stationed in Fort Irwin since 2020 and demonstrated his experience in the Box during rotations. His participation and support facilitated mission success, resulting in 100% effectiveness during rotations. SPC Bowen exhibits outstanding professionalism and expertise with Wolf-Taff, Warsim, Drone Missions, Civilian Role Play, and TFO. This shows proficiency in multiple areas, making SPC Bowen an indispensable asset to Smoke PLatoon, RHHT, and RSS.
74D Assistant Squad Leader
SGT Johnson came to 172nd Chemical Company as his first Duty Station in November 2018 as a brand new private from AIT. As the unit was preparing to assume DCRF in 2019, Johnson was tasked to train in several different areas to ensure mission readiness. While on DCRF, the areas he trained and became proficient in were CCP, Technical Decontamination, and the entire Non-Ambulatory side with also having the challenge of helping train other non CBRN units and helping them integrate in 172D's mission. During this time, Johnson was identified as the 3rd Platoon Maintenance representative tasked with overseeing motor stable operations. This responsibility included collecting and filing all DA Form 5988s while keeping track of deficiencies with equipment and coordinating maintenance with the unit mechanics in an effort to maintain operational readiness to standard.
Following into the year of 2020, Johnson received a waiver for specialist on the 1st of January. At this time, he was given the responsibility as a key sponsor in the development of new soldiers coming to the platoon and as an assistant squad leader. As the unit's mission changed from DCRF to IRF, Johnson has cross trained in small technical escort missions with 172D's 2nd Platoon with his main training effort as a key leader in many operational and thorough decontamination missions that have integrated with maneuver units on Fort Riley and Fort Hood.
Throughout Johnson's time with 172D he has grown into an outstanding individual and an excellent leader. Excelling in every task that has been handed to him, the unit's decision to waiver him early to the promotion board as a specialist in June 2020 was unanimous. This was an effort to fast track him to become a part of the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers which he is now SGT Johnson as of the 1st of December 2020.
As an NCO, SGT Johnson continues to lead from the front while continuing to train soldiers in 3rd platoon and show them the correct ways of becoming the best soldiers they can possibly be. As SGT Johnson is now on orders for a new assignment, we believe through all these consistent achievements he is deserving of this award as his time at 172D comes to an end.
CBRN Specialist
SGT XXXX was selected by the Company leadership to serve as the Senior Master Driver. She expertly prepared over 100 driver training packets, instructed Soldiers throughout the Battalion on military vehicle operation procedures, and performed numerous check rides during the day and night. SGT XXXX's commitment to safety and readiness enhanced the overall drivers training program within the Battalion, resulting in more than 200 Soldiers being licensed to operate military vehicles in the Republic of Korea.
SGT XXXX played the critical role of Ammunition Handler during three Battalion small arms ranges. She secured, transported, and distributed more than 14,000 rounds of ammunition while maintaining 100% accountability. Her tireless efforts contributed to more than 200 Soldiers qualifying on their assigned weapons system, enhancing the Battalions operational readiness. SGT XXXXX's innate leadership and passion for her Soldiers' well being made her a great asset to the Savage Platoon and the 9999 Ammo Company.
SGT XXXX served as a Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Vehicle Commander while assigned to the 9999th CBRN Company. During her tenure, she participated in multiple Field Training Exercises (FTX) to include three Battalion Gunneries, two Battalion Exercise Evaluations, and a combined joint training with the Republic of Korea Army. She performed numerous additional duties to include Senior Master Driver and Ammunition Handler, which were critical for the Battalion to maintain a "Fight Tonight" posture.
74D/Mounted Recon
SPC XXX expertise on maintenance of the NBCRV and all of the sensor suites helped the platoon maintain the lowest overhead maintenance cost in 23d CBRNE Battalion. His tireless efforts culminated in XXX CBRN CO and the Army re-appropriating over $400,000 worth of equipment during the Battalion's Logistical Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.
74D/Operations Sergeant
As the Subject Matter Expert in Mass Casualty Decontamination, SSG Pardon-Varde demonstrated expert technical skills and superior leadership over a period of three days by teaching and mentoring 33 Chemical SOLDIERS with little to no experience in Mass Casualty Decontamination about the various roles and responsibilities of each overlapping section. Under his guidance and attention to detail the company played an instrumental role in successfully supporting the 55th Civil Support Team in achieving a 'GO' on its validating mission.
Through accomplished organizational abilities SSG Pardon-Varde maintained 100% accountability of all Mass Casualty Decontamination Equipment with zero loss or damage by displaying an unmatched commitment to equipment readiness and accountability. His urgency to ensure that all accompanying equipment was serviceable and in good working order contributed greatly to the overall success of each mission and fostered an environment of mission and equipment readiness.
Displaying exceptional competence and professionalism SSG Pardon-Varde was influential during all phases of planning and preparation. He was able to effectively communicate the exact needs of the company, secure desired training areas for Mass Casualty Decontamination training, and coordinate multiple training lanes to enhance combat readiness and esprit de corps. Through his tireless efforts the company achieved high level training values and was able to sustain a rapid OPTEMPO throughout the entire exercise.
Demonstrating exceptional competence and professionalism SSG Pardon-Varde was able execute all tasks inherited in his role as the interim operations sergeant. He was able to skillfully publish all unit deliverables to include Training Schedules, Operation Orders, Rosters, complete purchase requests, and accurately forecast rations and POL. His timely submission and publication of deliverables allowed for outstanding dialogue with exercise coordination cell and the coordination of needed support to make the mission successful.
74D/CBRNE Team Member
SPC Mulkin exceeded all expectations during the field exercise Operation Lion Charge, the first 23D CBRNE BN FTX in the Korean Theater of Operations. As a member of the initial entry team, he showed great technical and tactical proficiency by precisely surveying and identifying possible samples to the Command Post. Because of his physical prowess and dedication to mission accomplishment, SPC Mulkin led his team to quickly and efficiently evacuate a downed team member out of the "Hot Zone".
74D/CBRN Specialist
Inherited duties and responsibilities far above his rank and completed all required tasks with proficiency. His hard work and enthusiasm during CBRN operations ensured safety standards were met while his attention to detail as CBRN specialist enabled soldiers and trainers precise and timely maneuver.
Chemical Specialist
When called upon, SPC Montgomery diligently maintained the post assigned with little or no supervision in which he displayed professionalism whith all persons he encountered.
CBRN NCO
o his expertise and knowledge in CBRN operations make him instrumental to the CERFP's validation on 16 Sep 11
NBC Specialist/74D10
o PFC Montgomery maintained perfect accountability of chemical equipment with zero discrepencies which led to 100% accountabilility for taskers needed during CSTX Training.
o PFC Montgomery was responsible for the safeguard of sensitive items that were not described in his duties during CSTX Training. The Duties were given to him during circumstances that he fulfill the duties with limited downtime.
o When called upon, SPC Montgomery diligently maintained the post assigned with little or no supervision in which he displayed professionalism whith all persons he encountered.
o In the absence of NCO's PFC Montgomery encouraged compassion and leadership abilities to soldiers of the similiar or lower rank which were similiar to Army Leadership standards.
o provided exceptional decontamination support for 6-37 FA, and Bravo Company during numerous Field Training Exercises; maintained highest OPS TEMPO in the unit
o provided heavy decontamination support; processed over 400 wheeled and tracked vehicles and trained over 100 personnel in decontamination procedures
Chemical Warfare NCO
o performed over 200 convoy missions without incident--protected entire bn while ensuring readiness.
o maintained perfect accountability of over $400K worth of vehicles and chemical equipment with zero findings at turnover.
SSG Miller served as the Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Explosive (CBRNE) NCO in a forward deployed transportation battalion. His accuracy, foresight, and professionalism enhanced the battalion's operational capabilities and ensured the commander's intent was executed to the highest standards. SSG Miller's ability to multi-task all his responsibilities within the Operation Center and tracking FRAGOs throughout the battalion allowed the HHD 180th Trans BN to have situational awareness at all times during the deployment.
SSG Miller's tremendous dedication resulted in over 500 FAGOs being tracked and reaching the units in a timely manner. His vast knowledge of logistics resulted in timely information being passed continuously throughout the Theater of Operations. SSG Miller's attention to detail and dedication to the mission ensured success at every endeavor.
SSG Miller produced the FRAGOs Operation Tracker, which was used at all levels of the operations for tracking purposes. He trained three battalion NCOs and integrated them into the battalion operations flawlessly. His unmatched ability to serve all levels in the operations was critical to the success of the 180th Transportation Battalion's missions throughout Theater.
As an Equal Opportunity leader, SSG Miller instructed over three Equal Opportunity training classes for over 200 personnel. SSG Miller ensured the battalion met all the commander's goals within regulation. His devotion to duty contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the unit's mission.
SPC Gutierrez successfully served as a RNS Team Operator while assigned to the 172nd Chemical Company. He performed his duties with confidence and reliability beyond reproach. Ever a team player, SPC Gutierrez readily shared his RNS tactical and technical knowledge with his peers and subordinates alike. His efforts made significant contributions to the units' initial readiness and helped to ensure mission success. His performance was noteworthy and to be emulated by peers and subordinates alike.
HAZMAT Technician
o served as a TC and Assistant Convoy Commander for over 150 armed escort missions of the Rhino bus
o as the acting Platoon Sergeant for over 90 days, was responsible for the safety of 29 Soldiers during one Decontamination support mission and the Battalion's Live Fire Exercise, sustaining zero accidents or injuries
o volunteered as PSD for MNC-I General Officers traveling to the International Zone and other MND Baghdad AOO areas