BAGHDAD - Pvt. Michael Slocum currently serves as the raid camera operator for the base defense operating cell (BDOC), 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division on Joint Security Station War Eagle north of Baghdad.
BDOC has the responsibility to control and maintain JSS check points and to ensure the installation is fortified and secure.
Slocum, a 21 year-old Brewster, N.Y. native, had his own reasons for joining the military.
"I wanted to better myself and grow up," he said.
Tell me about our life in New York'
"Life back home was very laid back. There are lots of places to go, sites to see, and great people to grow up with."
What's something funny that has happened to you'
"A week ago I was talking with my buddies and I guess I was sitting wrong because when I stood up, not realizing my leg fell asleep, I just collapsed to the floor hitting my face on my wall locker."
What do you enjoy most about working in the BDOC'
"Improvement. Since we came here, back in February, I've enjoyed mostly fixing up the [control points], perimeter and love watching the silly things people do when they think nobody is looking. We see everything."
How did you become the subject matter expert for the raid tower'
"I trained hard and focused a lot on learning everything the raid tower can do."
What are some interesting things you have seen using the new equipment'
"I've seen and observed a lot of cultural habits of local nationals who live around the JSS. The weirdest thing I've seen is a man who trained his pigeons to fly 15 meters above his house for about 10 minutes before calling them back into the cage. I've also seen a little girl light her father's cigarette which was cool."
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time'
"In my spare time I mostly listen to music or play games."
Here's a random question: If you were a vehicle, what would you be'
"BMW M3!"
Why an M3'
"It's a classy car that rides well and gets the ladies."
Social Sharing