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Soldier volunteers for third deployment to serve with former commander
FOB Hammer, Iraq, Monday, 02 June 2008
Soldiers throughout the U.S. Army answer the call to duty in their own ways. For Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Butler, that answer came by volunteering to deploy with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
Butler has been a Soldier in the Army for more than 18 years, and is now on his third deployment.
For the last three years, he was assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.
“Being an observer-controller was the best job I have ever had,” said Butler, a native of Baltimore, Md. “It gave me a chance to work with Soldiers without distractions, when they are focused and ready to train.”
Butler’s job was to train Soldiers in fire support operations. He would observe Soldiers conducting training, and facilitate discussions in finding ways to improve or sustain their performances.
It was at the Iron Brigade’s mission readiness exercise at the JMRC in October and November of last year that Butler observed the 2nd BCT fire support Soldiers.
“During the leadership training program and mission readiness exercises, I recognized a lot of talent in the fire support and brigade staff,” he said.
Butler had already served with the 1st Armd. Div. and formed ties back then with Col. Pat White, now commander of 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div.
“I was in the 1st Armd. Div. for three and a half years,” Butler said. “At the time, White was the battalion commander of 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st BCT, 1st Armd. Div..
While with the 2-37th Armor Regt., known as Task Force Iron Dukes he fought in one of the major battles of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, the Battle of Najaf.
Task Force Iron Dukes fought against Muqtada al-Sadr’s militia from April to June 2004. During this time, White conducted operations as the TF Iron Dukes commander, while Butler was the fire support noncommissioned officer in charge.
“I provided fires in support of maneuver operations, as well as provided counter-fire missions,” Butler said.
Following his time with TF Iron Dukes, Butler went on to his next duty assignment, Operations Group Mustang at Hohenfels. It would be another three years before Butler and White’s paths crossed again.
“I wanted to work with White again because his leadership style makes people want to do better,” Butler said. “I believe he has a genuine concern for his Soldiers.”
Having deployed twice during his career, Butler knew he might be called on to deploy again.
“I knew that if I volunteered to be assigned to the 2nd BCT, I would be able to deploy with people I knew,” Butler said. “Between the familiar faces and the pool of talent on the brigade staff, I was in a win-win situation.”
Butler contacted his branch manager and requested to be reassigned to the 2nd BCT. On Feb. 10, Butler’s request was accepted and he was on his way to Baumholder, Germany.
Butler now provides operational fire support for the 2nd BCT and is currently serving at FOB Hammer in support of OIF.
