FORT SILL, Okla. (Feb. 20, 2014) -- There are Soldiers throughout the Army with unique, artistic gifts they practice in their spare time, but there are few who use these gifts and skills as a part of their daily duties.
Spc. Troy Roberts, B Company, 168th Brigade Support Battalion however, spends every day and many weekends at work using his artistic vision for the good of his battalion and the 214th Fires Brigade.
Roberts is a specialist in using a high-tech and sophisticated Computer Numeric Control (CNC) milling machine to produce individualized, fabricated parts for vehicles and equipment, but most notably, highly detailed, decorative brass plaques that are given to notable honorees as permanent change of station and retirement gifts, as well as trophies for numerous competitions.
"I'm a 91E, welder, by MOS," said Roberts, "but for the year I have been here with the 168th BSB, I have worked almost exclusively with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Allen operating both the CNC machine and lathe producing parts, plaques and trophies for the battalion, brigade and even the 4th Infantry Division."
Last year alone, Roberts designed and produced more than 30 unique plaques and trophies for numerous competitions and VIPs. Each custom-made plaque takes about a week to produce.
"They all begin as an idea focusing on the plaque's purpose," explained Roberts. "I take the idea and see what I want it to be in my head, then begin drafting it in the computer with CAD (computer-aided design) software. The programming takes about three to four days to complete and is the hardest part of the whole process. You have to build the program perfectly for the design to work, with every last detail done individually."
In addition to the incredible detailing required, Roberts must think in three dimensions to convert normally two dimensional images, such as unit insignias, text and rank insignias, to 3-D to create depth and add texture to the finished products.
"Each piece I create is better than the one before," continued Roberts with a smile, "I am always learning new techniques and different program features that allow me to become more accurate, detailed, creative and complex."
After a design is checked, double checked and tested for any programming errors, it is converted into a 3-D model and loaded into the
CNC machine. The machine itself must then be calibrated to ensure correct operation before performing a dry-run. Once the program is loaded, the machine prepared and the blank, brass plaque properly loaded, the two-day process of cutting begins, at which time Roberts works to design and program the next product.
"There's always a line of plaques on order and waiting to be made, usually about three or four, each with its own deadline. I stay busy, but I like what I do and respect the learning opportunity presented to me, I'm just glad my leaders understand."
The final day of production requires Roberts to finish the products by hand, trimming and filing edges smooth, then cleaning and shining the surfaces before any necessary assembly or framing. Watching Roberts work, one would never guess that his job and its deadlines, intricacies and details could be stressful, for he always looks at home in his protective black smock as he diligently works away at his computer drafting station or machine room.
"This is a great job," said Roberts while filing on a near-finished plaque, "I get to explore my creativity while producing one of a kind gifts for all kinds of competitions and VIPs, all the while helping my battalion and brigade in the service of the Army and country. I've also found what I want to do for a living after the Army for the rest of my life."
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