BY EXAMPLE

Get back to basics

Sgt. 1st Class Meghan Malloy helps ensure her Soldiers are medically ready to deploy
Sgt. 1st Class Meghan Malloy enlisted out of Camano Island, Wash., in 2000. During a year spent in the Army Reserve, she was working at an emergency room on her second day of drill duty when the 9/11 attacks happened. The next day, she submitted her packet to go active duty. Since then, shes deployed three times to Iraq, served in the last MASH (Medical Army Service Hospital) and currently serves as the senior medical NCO for the 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Why did you join the Army? My dad was a military historian. He worked with a lot of veterans groups, telling their stories. I grew up with a lot of survivors of the Bataan Death March and Pearl Harbor. I grew up with a lot of respect for veterans, and I love the history of the Army. Why have you stayed in? NCOs have played a significant part in my career. The role of NCOs has definitely changed the way Ive looked at life. Its affected the professional demeanor I have toward younger Soldiers. How has Army training helped your career? I find that the caliber of person in the Army is the best that our society has to offer. I love how theres always someone looking out for you; someone always has your back. After my first deployment, that really solidified it. There was always somebody watching out; you never had to worry about being by yourself. What does it take to be a good NCO? You take care of Soldiers and they will take care of you thats the real key to being a good NCO in this Army. If youre a squad leader, just be the very best squad leader you can be. Work hard at what you do, push yourself and push your Soldiers. Recognize the Soldiers who have that little bit of spark you think you can make into something better. How do you set the example? I try to be what I want them to be. I try to set my standards high. The best NCOs Ive worked with werent afraid to get their hands dirty theyd fill sand bags, bring chow on guard duty, come in to work before us and leave after we were all long gone for the night. I try to set that same example.

What role have NCOs played in your development as a Soldier and NCO? I made a few mistakes as a younger Soldier, and those NCOs stepped in and said, Hey, I see something in you. You can be something better. They pushed me along in my career, and they pushed me further than I ever thought Id be able to go. I wouldve gotten out a long time ago if it hadnt been for them. What changes would you like to see Armywide? We need to get back to basics. Weve got an NCO Education System that has drifted more toward quantity than quality. Were pushing out NCOs and its more of a check-the-box system. With our operational tempo slowing down, we should be able to get back to pushing out good leaders and good NCOs.
INTERVIEW BY JENNIFER MATTSON

Sgt. 1st Class Meghan Malloy pauses to take a photo with local children while on a mission in Iraq during her deployment from 2005 to 2006 with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SGT. 1ST CLASS MEGHAN MALLOY

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