The arrest was made in Stewart County and triggered the Clarksville Police department to search his home. There they found approximately $37,000 in cash, a Maserati sports car registered in his name, additional firearms, and many pounds of marijuana.

SSG Taylor was released on bail from the Sheriff’s office and is now absent without leave (AWOL).

This incident brought to my mind another topic: the relationship between support soldiers and operators.

The relationship is quite diverse. On my very first day, when I was signing into Battalion as a previous Infantry SSG, I had a PFC greet me at the S-1 shop (personnel). He said, “Whats-up,” while sitting down. My inner infantry squad leader wanted to snap his neck. Instead, I just walked around the corner to his supervisor and questioned if this was correct. The PFC was corrected, but so much for making friends my first day in Group.

A long time ago, when 5th SFG(A) shut down its chow hall, they had the cooks become travel experts (DTS). It was an incredible service to the men to see a guy that would ultimately handle it for you or your entire team for a trip.

When a team deploys, it will usually have support soldiers attached to it. These can range from cooks, mechanics, intel persons, or whatever the team needs for a given mission. Teams all have different personalities, so it’s fair to say that one support soldier (or operator) can fit on any team. Often there simply are not enough support guys to go around, and teams will almost lobby, as far in advance as possible, for specific individuals.

Support guys typically love being attached to the teams. They usually get a better life while assigned to the teams; don’t have to shave every day; they are away from the flag pole; get team training, etc. Often, teams will use support guys as drivers. It is excellent news for them because it gets them out of the house, and they get to go on missions with the guys, so they will often do team train-ups with the teams, more training on the range, etc.

All in all, support soldiers in Group know, if they have had some regular army time, just how good they have it in Group. In my opinion, Group should run a version of the 160th SOAR’s Green Platoon.

According to Green Platoon’s webpage, the professionalism, and capabilities of Army special operations aviation are developed through a “train as you fight” mentality. The rigorous training continues upon assignment to the line units.

Green Platoon is a six-week assessment and training program that teaches basic soldiering skills, combat, land navigation, and weapons skills. However, throughout the six weeks, candidates are challenged with intense physical conditioning sessions.

If the 160th can do this, why can’t Group?