Expert+Interview

We are currently in the process of interviewing an Ensign who was stationed in the Afghanistan. He is a reliable source of information about soldiers and the Navy because he has dealt with this experience on a first hand basis. There are many things he will be able to share with us that we wouldn't otherwise be aware of because he has been through this. We are pleased to post his responses to these following questions.
 * Classification:** UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

1. What promted you to join the Navy? I attended the Naval Academy and following graduation every Midshipmen is commissioned as an officer in either the Navy or Marine Corps. I wrestled at the Academy and traditionally all the wrestlers get selected into the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps fit my leadership a little better mainly because I’m directly in charge of Marines and we can work together as a team to get things done.  2. What type of training did you have to undergo initially? Immediately following my commission I went to Quantico Virginia for 6 months to attend The Basic School (TBS). Its 6 months of training on how to become a Marine Officer. It entailed spending nights in the woods, going to rifle ranges, dropping bombs on specific grid coordinates etc. It also was a huge leadership school where they showed us different leadership techniques and how to best motivate your Marines to get things done.  3. Did you have to complete more specific training before you went to Afghanistan? Before deploying to Afghanistan we spend 4 weeks doing specific training to prepare us for Afghanistan. Due to Operational Security I can’t write what kind of training we did but it was 4 weeks spent in 29 Palms (the dessert) California where we are schooled up on a lot of things we are doing here in Afghanistan.  4. What was something that suprised you most when you arrived in Afghanistan? I was surprised at how underdeveloped this country really is. We have no running water and electricity is used via generators that we brought with us.  5. What type of work did you do overseas? What do you do when you're home? While oversees, I re-supply every Marine within the Battalion (about 1100) as well as ensure that all of the Battalion’s gear is properly accounted for. While I am at home, I do the same except with much less gear.  6. What advice do you have for someone who is considering joining the armed forces? This is a tough question. I would say that it is extremely rewarding to be able to lead guys from the ages of 19-29. The most important thing you can do in the military is take care of the people that are under you. You have to act as an older brother, father, and disciplinarian all rolled into one.  7. What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Leading my guys is without question the most rewarding part of my job. If you they respect you, they will do anything that you ask them to the best of there ability.  8. What's something that people at home can do to help support the troops? Care packages out here are much appreciated by all the Marines. Also, for these guys to know that the people at home support what they are doing and that they are appreciative is enough. 2ndLt. Brad Canterbury Supply Officer 3d Bn 8th Mar (REINFORCED) Forward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan

We learned many things from Brad. We were shocked to learn that he went through four weeks of training for Afghanistan. That seems very short for a preperation before going into combat and sounds challenging. We learned that care packages are greatly appreciated which is great to know for the future so we can help out. We liked hearing what was most rewarding to him, leading his men. We learned that because of his training, he cannot disclose what they did there. We didn't realize how important this security was. Also, it gave us a sense to really know what it is like living as a marine in Afghanistan. He sounds like a great guy who has a nice personality and a positive outlook on life after being through tough events.