Published: May 12, 2006
Jamaican Born First Sergeant Accepts Parental Role
2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan, 133rd MPAD
1st Sgt. Conrad Dobson takes time from his first sergeant duties to take a photo.
Photo by: 2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan, 133rd MPAD |
BALAD RUZ, Iraq - The U. S. Army is comprised of many races, regions, colors and creeds. It's truly a reflection of America and its diversity.
First Sgt. Conrad R. Dobson, a Kingston, Jamaica-born naturalized citizen, is the top NCO for the Tactical Command Post, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers.
"I'm one hundred percent Jamaican," said Dobson. "The principles I've gathered from Jamaica have really helped me throughout my career."
Dobson came to Miami, Fla., in 1978 were he attended American Senior High School and made a life-changing decision to join the Army.
"There were more opportunities for me when I got out of high school," said Dobson. "I could have gone to college to continue my education or I could have been an athlete at the collegiate level.
"I don't think that I was focused enough at the time to do these things, so the next thing was join the Army."
His father didn't agree with his decision, but he made it anyway.
"My father initially didn't want me to come to the Army, but I'm here and he respects that," said Dobson.
The journey had begun. After serving his country for almost twenty years, Dobson was given the title of first sergeant, a major achievement for any enlisted Soldier.
"I've been a first sergeant since I've been here, about three months now," said Dobson. "I'm kind of like a parent and a disciplinarian.
"If you don't love Soldiers, then you won't be an effective first sergeant. In order to be effective, you have to show them that you really care or they'll look right through you."
Soldiers in a combat zone need to have discipline to protect the lives of themselves and others. Dobson is here to ensure this happens.
"I want to make sure every Soldier who is under my care gets home alive," said Dobson. "That's why I'm hard on the Soldiers."
"I tell them make sure you wear all of your protective gear, make sure you're doing PT and make sure you are doing what you're supposed to. The small things are what keep them alive."
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