The La Crosse, Ind. native takes pride in his contribution to the mission of Forward Support Company G, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, "Red Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division -- North.
"I like being a part of the COIST, because of how it affects the battlefield and your fellow Soldiers", said Stoller. "Never before have I been in a duty position that allowed me to directly observe effects on the battlefield the way working in the COIST cell does."
COIST utilizes the military decision-making process to provide commanders situational awareness on how intelligence affects elements above, adjacent to, and below a specific unit's echelon of operation. The detailed analysis provided by the COIST, such as trends in attacks or placement of improvised explosive devices, shapes the decisions commanders make on a daily basis.
"Stoller is a great asset to our team," said Capt. Crystal Chatman, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, and commander of FSC G. "His hunger for knowledge in the intelligence arena is what makes him stand out. He is resourced by other batteries' COIST and by battalion intelligence analysts for mission essential products. They all function well together as a team."
Stoller's predictive analysis has benefited the company's logistical patrols to the Samarra Joint Coordination Center.
Stroller uses trend analysis and compiles historical data for improvised explosive device engagement areas along key routes in Southern Salah ad-Din province. This analysis enables him to identify the most likely engagement areas the patrol operates within to conduct resupply and counter indirect fire patrols.
Though he has spent little time as the COIST NCOIC, he has learned essential skills quickly.
"I spent no time attached to an intelligence company or military police element. I simply used all the information that I've received from my training", said Stoller, who added that the level of enjoyment gained from doing his job sparks his enthusiasm. "I love what I do, and I love teaching others how I get at my analysis."
Stroller isn't the only Soldier in the company who works beyond the parameters of his duty description.
In 2010, Pfc. Alan Legardo, a native of Columbus, Mo., enlisted into the Army as a food service specialist.
Legardo was also assigned the additional duty of being the unit's primary armorer shortly after his arrival to the unit and completion of an armorer course.
"Legardo was highly recommended as the right person for the job. His attention to detail and level of maturity enables us to trust him with the responsibility he now has," said his section leader, Sgt. Jeffery Taylor, a Temple, Texas, native.
Legardo welcomes this opportunity to broaden his horizons.
"Being an armorer is a great learning experience. Before I got into the Army, I worked in a local retail store where weapons were sold, but I've never done a job like this," said Legardo.
Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of more than $4 million worth of weapons, Legardo holds his position in high regard and enjoys the idea of embarking on new experiences.
"The arms room is a good change from the dining facility. This broadens my knowledge about the Army. I prefer the arms room over the dining facility because it's a new challenge."
Although Soldiers are trained a certain MOS, they must be prepared to do something else based on the Army's current needs, even something drastically different from their main occupation.
Social Sharing