Michael, US Army veteran

Michael, US Army veteran

Recruiter, Fluor Corporation

Q. What branch of the military did you serve under? What was your position in the military?
A. From 2001-2006, I served as an Infantry officer in the US Army. I left the Army in October 2006 as a Captain.

My assignments included: Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, Republic of South Korea; Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, Operation Iraqi Freedom I; Iraqi Army Advisor, Operation Iraqi Freedom III, Iraq

Q. What were your responsibilities in the military?
A. I began my career as a Platoon Leader in South Korea where I led a platoon of Infantry soldiers. I was responsible for the training and employment of these soldiers. Upon completion of that assignment, I was deployed to Mosul, Iraq where I served as a heavy weapons platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division. I was responsible for leading the platoon on combat operations to help secure Mosul. I was promoted to the role of Executive Officer where I was responsible for the maintenance, logistics, and support of more than $10 million of equipment and 200 soldiers. During my last assignment in the Army, I was embedded as a US Advisor with an Iraqi Army Battalion in Taji, Iraq. I was responsible for planning and executing all training for more than 1000 Iraqi soldiers. Additionally, I was responsible for assisting the Iraqi unit with executing combat operations to ensure they were operationally capable as part of the US strategy to turn over responsibilities to the Iraqi Army.

Q. What is your current position?
A. I'm a recruiter for the Fluor corporation.

Q. Serving in the military provides great leadership skills. Beyond that, what skills and experiences did you learn in the military that enable you to be successful on the job?
A. Having a “can do attitude.” Military leaders never have enough time, people, or resources to accomplish a task. Military leaders are taught to never say “no” to a situation, and I carried that positive attitude with me to Fluor. Make the best of every situation and get it done - leaders provide solutions.

Q. Did you use the benefits of the GI Bill to enhance your education?
A. No.