1-7 CAV GARRYOWEN "Seventh First!"

At the end of my platoon leader time in B Company, 3-8 CAV, 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division "GREYWOLF," I wanted to continue as a platoon leader, but my time in the battalion was up. Because I had excellent NCOs in our tank platoon, they advocated on my behalf to the battalion executive officer. As a Military Intelligence officer branch-detailed to Armor, it was a hard sell to keep me as a platoon leader when other officers needed platoons. The XO was a demanding field-grade officer, but he respected the NCOs in the company—many of whom were Desert Storm veterans, as he was—and listened when they advocated for me. As with many things in the Army, luck and timing mattered more than you might expect: a scout platoon opened in 1-7 CAV, the Division Cavalry squadron, and I was able to transfer. This was the first coin I received in the squadron. I do not remember what it was for, but the lesson remains: take care of your Soldiers, work hard, and stay focused on the mission. Good things will come.