Systems knowledge.
People who can rely on it.

Nodal Network Systems Operator — United States Army, Fort Stewart and Germany

April 2019 – April 2022

I built, operated, and maintained tactical communications networks in field conditions where equipment limitations, time pressure, and changing requirements were normal. My responsibilities included user access, VoIP, system performance, troubleshooting, equipment accountability, and training soldiers to operate and maintain the environment. The objective was to leave the team capable of sustaining the system rather than making one technician the single point of failure.

While assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, I supported field communications work in Germany. I became the first Soldier in 2ABCT to learn the Transportable Tactical Command Communications (T2C2) system—commonly called the GATR or “Gator Ball”—bring it to an operational state, and then teach a class so other Soldiers could operate it. The system provides rapidly deployable satellite voice and data connectivity without depending on permanent infrastructure, making correct setup and knowledge transfer important in field conditions.

That initiative was recognized with a company challenge coin. It also contributed to my promotion to Specialist (E-4) at the earliest point allowed by my time in service, making me the fastest Soldier in my company to reach that rank. More importantly, the work demonstrated a pattern I have carried forward: learn unfamiliar technology quickly, make it useful under real operating conditions, document what matters, and teach the team so the capability survives beyond one person.

Network Specialist — Tango Alpha 3, Malmstrom Air Force Base

March 2022 – September 2022

I handled day-to-day network operations supporting medical clinics serving roughly 500 patients per day and approximately 100 users. The role included connectivity troubleshooting, VoIP support, workstation issues, equipment tracking, inventory work, network documentation, and identifying problems before they became wider service interruptions. With leadership’s permission, I also performed authorized physical-security audits by testing whether staff challenged an unfamiliar person without a visible badge and whether unattended or publicly accessible laptops could be reached. I used the findings as teaching opportunities with facility staff, reinforcing badge awareness, workstation locking, and practical on-site security. Because the environment supported clinical operations, reliable communication, accurate asset control, discretion, and clear escalation mattered more than simply closing a ticket quickly.