PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, - Out of all his teammates, Spc. Martin Jackson looks particularly at ease behind the wheel of his mine resistant ambush protected vehicle as he drives in convoys for the Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team.
He should be comfortable. He drives commercial 18-wheel trucks for a living when not activated with the B/1-178th Field Artillery Regiment of the South Carolina Army National Guard. He is a tank turret mechanic with the unit.
However, Jackson said the job isn’t as easy as he makes it look.
“There’s a big difference between driving these MRAPs and driving my regular big rig,” he said. “Back home, big rigs are designed so you have great visibility of the road.
“Here, I have to rely on my truck commander and gunner to help paint a better picture of my surroundings. Plus, the roads here aren’t ever flat, so I have to constantly keep vigilant so I don’t bounce my passengers around.”
The mission of the Paktika PRT is to assist in the stabilization and security of Paktika province, a large province located on the eastern Afghan border near the Pakistan tribal areas.
However, rather than go out and actively combat insurgent activity, the PRT focuses on improving the livelihood of the citizens of Afghanistan by helping to fix other causes of instability such as healthcare, development, governance and agriculture products.
Jackson’s role is to ensure the safety of his passengers as they travel to different places, whether it’s meetings with provincial government leaders or to check up on PRT-supported projects
Members of his unit are assigned as security forces for fellows soldiers, airmen and sailors to conduct operations. They act as force protection experts, serve as personal security to PRT members and ensure as much safety as possible during PRT missions outside the wire.
“Jackson is one of the best Soldiers I have in my squad,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth Messick, Jackson’s squad leader. “If I need something done, Jackson’s often my man to do it. He’s definitely one of the most trusted guys in my squad, and will work tirelessly until whatever it is he’s doing is completed.”
In addition to driving, Jackson has become one of the best maintainers of the entire unit, a job he takes just as serious as his driving.
“I love the maintenance part of being a security force member,” he said. “By helping with maintenance, I ensure that all the vehicles in our convoy are always ready for action.
“We have a tight schedule on mission days, so if I can lend a hand ahead of time and fix any problems before they come up, I ensure the safe travel of passengers in the convoy and ultimately that’s my job.”
Jackson’s strong work ethic is noticed by his teammates and chain of command.
“Jackson is very thorough in everything he does” said Sgt. First Class Jermaine Jones, Jackson’s platoon sergeant.
“The difference between Jackson and many of our soldiers is not only can he drive, but he can switch gears instantly and be just as effective at fixing the vehicle.
“If I ask Jackson to do something, I always know without a doubt it’ll be done on time and done correctly.”