NCO keeps Grafenwoehr ranges safe for training Soldiers

By Kathrine Cooper, 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command Public AffairsJuly 15, 2009

Sgt. 1st Class Thorsten Lamm
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Sgt. 1st Class Thorsten Lamm
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Thorsten Lamm, Noncommisioned Officer in Charge of Range Safety at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command, conducts a routine safety check with a Royal Dutch Army soldier on a range at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Sgt. 1st Class Thorsten Lamm

Age: 42

Current Unit: 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command

Current Position: JMTC Grafenwoehr Training Area Safety NCOIC

Component: Army

Current Location: Grafenwoehr, Germany

Hometown: Potsdam, New York

Years of Service: 18

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - If the soldiers are using safe and smart methods while training, that's how you know Sgt. 1st Class Thorsten Lamm is doing his job.

Lamm works at the Joint Multinational Training Command's, Grafenwoehr Range Control. He is the GTA Safety NCOIC. Knowing who's training and where is only part of his job. His main focus is the safety of the soldiers, who come to Grafenwoehr Training Area to prepare for deployment and combat.

"Joining the military was the best decision of my life," said Lamm, "It's the best system in the world, and it's the best for my family."

Lamm said, he joined the military 1990, to help pay off his student loans.

If asked if he'd stay in the military for more than 18 years, he would've answered no. However, he has now been in the military for 18+ years and he believes it to be the best system in the world.

"I went to college and most certainly wanted to follow in my father's footsteps," said Sgt. 1st Class Lamm. His father was a international scientist and Lamm wanted to be one too, but soon realized, it wasn't for him.

"I was strong and independent and wanted to take my life in my own hands." Lamm said.

A German native, Lamm was born in Karlsruhe, Germany and moved to the United States during his teen years. After eight semesters at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, he left because he could no longer afford it. Although, his parents could afford to keep him going, he refused.

Lamm takes his job very seriously. He had to stand on his own two feet, he said. He doesn't hesitate when it comes to safety. He'll shut down a range if he has to because of safety.

"A lot of NCO's have forgotten what a leader should do. It's taking care of the soldiers, and that's my priority." Lamm said. "Soldiers first, self second."

Lamm's selfless service is shown by his willingness to deploy to 5 operational locations. When asked about fear in deployment he replied with,

"Being deployed, if you're not scared, there's something wrong with you," said Lamm "I was nervous especially since I was in charge, but luckily, I had a great group of soldiers with me."

The one person who's supported him all throughout his military career is his wife.

"Without my wife, I would not be here today." Lamm said.

His tip for NCO's in charge-

"Make sure you bring them up well by disciplining them, making a relaxed environment, and push them further."