Soldiers
of Georgia’s 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) in Atlanta
have been activated for a yearlong deployment in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom and the war on terror.
The 124th is commanded by Maj. Chris D. Dockery of Dahlonega. Its senior
noncommissioned officer is Sgt. 1st Class John J. Kinnaman of LaGrange.
The 19 print and broadcast journalist of the 124th mobilized Sept. 1 and
reported to their place of duty at the Georgia Department of Defense
complex.
At press time, just where and when the unit would conduct its
mobilization training had not been decided. The MPAD was supposed to do
its train up at Camp Shelby, Miss., but the devastation left behind by
Hurricane Katrina has put that plan on hold.
When the Soldiers of the 124th do start getting ready for Iraq, they
will spend 45 to 60 sharpening such skills as first aid, land navigation
and radio operations. They also will re-qualify with the M16 rifle, and
become qualified with the M9 9mm semiautomatic pistol and with
crew-served weapons such as the M240B and .50 cal. machine guns.
As part of its training, the MPAD will hone its print journalism and
broadcaster occupational specialties, as well as its ability to work
with civilian media.
After its mobilization training is complete, the 124th will move to
anther location from which it will depart the U.S. and head for Kuwait
and the second part of its journey to war.
Once the unit has completed its in processing, its Soldiers will, again,
pack its belongings and move into Iraq. Where in that war-torn country
it will end up or what mission it will perform has yet to be announced.
Traditionally, the 124th MPAD tells the story of Georgia’s Soldiers and
Airmen through print and video products. It also conducts a public
affairs mission during which its members work closely with civilian
media as well as manage a media operations center.
