Posted on Nov 16, 2016
NCOs & Leaders: I'm getting ready to deploy to Qatar with an NG Infantry unit. As a Squad Leader, what should I be on the lookout for?
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Posted in these groups: 
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Qatar
Squad Leader
11B: Infantryman
Qatar
Doha
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Qatar Squad Leader 11B: Infantryman Qatar Doha
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 35
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SSG (Join to see) Since I just came from there, I would say watch out for the bored Soldier doing stupid shit, not really much of a threat in Qatar but plenty to do off post. And watch for those negligent discharges since the previous NG unit had 2 on the checkpoints.
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SSG (Join to see)
I was literally just thinking about that last night. Spot checking weapons and what not making sure no rds chambered.
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SSgt Jason Lozinski
They will get you in trouble by association too. Take care of you battle buddy just dont let him land you in the Commanders Office. Or the whole Base or Post locked down because the actions of a few. Just remember why and what you joined for, stay resilient, safe, and keep a F*&CK#d up sense of humor.
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TSgt (Join to see)
But in all seriousness, not sure if the threat level has changed since I left in April of 16
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SSG (Join to see)
TSgt (Join to see) - Not much. I can count on my hands the amount of attacks on US forces in Qatar in past 15 yrs.
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TSgt (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - Yeah I didn't think it had many if any. I mean the threat level can't be too high if you can't even carry weapons except for the sec forces guys at the gates
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Boredom and complacency. I returned from a trip to Qatar in July and because it's a low threat environment, and because you'll most likely be assigned the FORCEPRO mission and all its associated tasks, there will be a lot of repetition and doing, literally, nothing.
The key task for you will be to keep your Soldier's engaged and feeling relevant to the greater CENTCOM mission.
Utilize MWR resources to get your people off base and doing stuff, if possible and since Qatar is a hub of activity for all of CENTCOM, keep your people informed (within the parameters of OPSEC) on what's going on the in the region and why the security they provide is important, assuming of course, you're doing physical security.
The key task for you will be to keep your Soldier's engaged and feeling relevant to the greater CENTCOM mission.
Utilize MWR resources to get your people off base and doing stuff, if possible and since Qatar is a hub of activity for all of CENTCOM, keep your people informed (within the parameters of OPSEC) on what's going on the in the region and why the security they provide is important, assuming of course, you're doing physical security.
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SSG (Join to see)
Great advice. In 2008-2009 I had a pretty low key mission in Baghdad as detainee escort which was feast or famine. We would go days without anything then other time be slammed with missions. That downtime does kill morale and seeing the other soldiers that had daily missions and responsibilities was disheartening. You hit the nail on the head I think, keeping morale, relevancy, and interest in the mission up.
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SPC James Harsh
SFC Marcus Belt -That reminds me of something I said to my brother who is still in and he was talking about a deployment, I said you know even if nothing is going on, something could happen and you could be the reason. To watch for complacency & boredom is solid advice though!
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The biggest thing is to know your troops. Knowing your troops will help you recognize when something is amiss. It'll also help you be more relatable to them when someone eventually gets homesick and whatnot.
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1. The make up of your unit. Find your leaders in the Junior NCO's.Give them leadership training and encourage them. If any junior troops are lazy or undependable your Junior NCO will know who they are and motivate them. Lead By Example. Remember there no "I" in Team. If you handle it right your squad will follow to hell and back.
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Complacency, ensure your squad utilizes this down time to work on PT, SSD, college, training, more training, train to you can make mistakes. Possibly EIB competition if the battalion is hosting one things like that.
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SSG (Join to see)
I believe there will be opportunities such as EIB and Ranger pre-qual. I'm not 11-series but was tasked out from BN HHC to fill their SSG vacancy. For the technical aspects of their training I may lean on my team/section sgts.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - Yes lean on your team leaders and try out for the Pre- Ranger. Make the most of this paid vacation.
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Know your mission and ensure your Joes know it as well. In everything you do ask, "How will this affect mission accomplishment?"
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You need to be extremely familiar with Access Control Point procedures. You will be doing a shitload of gate duty. Have fun.
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SSG (Join to see)
Exactly. These are NG so hopefully they appreciate the time for professional development, education, financial planning resources on this type of tour.
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