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Back from Baghdad: USAF EC member reflects on life in the Green Zone

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs
FORT DIX, N.J. --  For more than six months, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ball of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Expeditionary Operations School was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sergeant Ball returned in late July and reflects on his time there as a key participant in support of operations from Baghdad's Green Zone. Following is an excerpt from an interview he did with USAF EC Public Affairs.

Q. On your deployment, what did you do?
A. I was deployed in support of Multi-National Forces-Iraq's strategic operations area where I worked in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Our unit was responsible for the rebuilding of the Iraqi infrastructure and providing daily operational briefings to the MNF-I commander.

Q. What specific job did you do while you were deployed and how long were you gone?
A. I was deployed from mid-January to late July and was the administrative NCO in charge for a U.S. Army two-star general and an Australian one star. I provided daily administrative and computer support. I also was the unit mail clerk, ran the leave program, processed awards and decorations, created travel orders and managed the unit linguist program.

Q. What experience did you learn from this deployment?
A. This was my first time deploying to a unit that was composed of forces from every branch of the U.S. military and from five coalition nations, so you can imagine the environment was very dynamic. Since a majority of the unit was U.S. Army personnel, having to learn the different administrative procedures that the Army uses was difficult, but enlightening. Another thing I learned was the importance of being fit to fight. Moving around in the heat in full body armor takes a lot out of you.

Q. What is your impression of the Airmen fighting the Global War on Terrorism now that you have come back from the "front lines" so to speak?
A. I was blown away not only by the Airmen fighting the GWOT but also by the everyday Solider, Sailor and Marine serving out there in the elements and outside the wire. In my daily interactions with them, not once during my six months did I hear anyone complain about the heat or the conditions they where serving in.

Q. Why is it important for Airmen to be prepared for a deployment?
A. As our Air Force continues to draw down, Airmen have to be ready to deploy more frequently and, depending on your specialty, sometimes with little notice. I think one of the most important things you can do as an individual to support the GWOT, is to stay ready. No one area is more important than your everyday physical fitness because it has a direct impact on mission accomplishment.

Q. Why do you think it is important for the people of the USAF EC to also deploy in support of wartime missions?
A. Since our main job here are the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, and especially in the Expeditionary Operations School, is to train Airmen for deployment, it is very important for our team members and our instructors to get out on the front lines to ensure the training we are giving is current with what is being used in the deployed environment.

Q. How do you feel about being back at the USAF EC?
A. I am glad to back home, and especially back at the USAF EC because I know our mission here better prepares Airman to fight the GWOT. In my 14 years of service, this is the unit that I am most proud to say that I have been a member of.

Q. Anything else you can add?
A. I have always been a supporter of the GWOT, and I am glad I was able to do my part. I would much rather be fighting this war away from home, than trying to fight it here at home.

(Note: Sergeant Ball serves as the NCO in charge for executive support for the Center's Expeditionary Operations School where he provides information management and personnel support for the school.)