NCO: 'Learn from your experiences'

By Crystal Lewis Brown, Fort Jackson LeaderOctober 8, 2009

NCO: 'Learn from your experiences'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- In the 14 years Sgt. 1st Class Scott McClellan has served, he has been assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky.; Camp Casey, Korea; Hohenfels, Germany and Fort Lewis, Wash. He has also been deployed twice to Iraq.

McClellan said his most memorable experience in the Army was when he was assigned to Fort Lewis.

"Being part of (starting up) the Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis and seeing all the new tactics (that would be used) influenced me," he said. "I got to see units built from the ground up and got to deploy with the new technology."

He said he was most influenced by the leaders he has encountered throughout his career.

"Strong leadership has given me something to look to and to try to be ... that picture of the right paths to take and the example to follow."

He has many goals.

He said his first goal is to deploy with an infantry unit. His next focus is to complete his degree in education. He plans to become a teacher once he retires from the Army, which he hopes will lead to his goal to work with troubled children.

"My ultimate dream would be to run a boot camp for wayward teens," he said.

His advice for junior enlisted Soldiers:

"Don't let sidetracks and setbacks hurt you ... . Use them as an opportunity to grow. And learn from your experiences."

We salute you!