Brian Collett

SP4 Collett

This is a short Q&A with a well-respected friend of mine. I've known Brian since he was in his early teens. I am very proud of the path he has chosen and I admire him a great deal. When he made his decision to join, I told him he was my hero. I meant that then, and I stand by it now. Thank you Brian for stepping up in service to our country, and thank you for being a friend.

Personal info 

-- My name is Brian Collett. I'm 22 years old and from San Jose, California. 

Tell me a little about your background.. School, interests, hobbies

-- I graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2010. I joined the United States Army in August of 2011. I absolutely love to play and watch baseball. I enjoy San Francisco Giants games as well as watching minor league teams. I'm currently recruiting guys from Fort Bragg to get together and play pick up baseball games.   

Any family serve in the military? When, where, etc…

-- Yes. I have relatives on both sides of my family who served. As far as I can remember it's been all Army. Currently I have a cousin stationed at Ft. Hood and an uncle who is deployed. 

What made you decide to join the Army? Did you consider any other branches?

-- The Army gave me exactly what I wanted. I considered joining the Navy. 

What unit, etc are you in?

-- I am part of the 28th Combat Support Hospital, 44th Medical Brigade Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Where have you been stationed? Your thoughts on those bases?

-- I have been to a few other bases, but Fort Bragg has been my only official duty station. 

Any promotions, badges, medals, etc?

-- I am currently a Specialist(E-4)

What was your initial impression of the Army?

--At first It's a little overwhelming trying to take in the whole culture of the army. There's a lot to learn and you don't really stop learning. But once you've been in for a bit you get the hang of how things operate. It's truly something different than civilian life. 

Was basic hard or easy for you?

--Basic was easy. I was always in the right place, in the right uniform, at the right time. I did what I was told. That's all they ask of you. 

What has been the most enjoyable aspect of military life?

The least enjoyable?

--The most enjoyable part of military life is living and working with like-minded soldiers. There are times we disagree and bump heads, but at the end of the day you know the guy next to you has your back and you have his. The least enjoyable is standing in formation and listening to officers talk. Haha.

What are your military goals?

-- I want more than anything to become a Non-Commissioned Officer. They have the biggest and most intimate impact on Soldiers. They are responsible for preparing and grooming future NCOs. They hold a certain standard and I want to be part of it. 

Do you think you will be called for combat duty?

-- As a Pharmacy Technician it is unlikely I will be called for combat duty. My job is a support MOS(Military Occupational Specialty).  If I do change my MOS to a combat MOS I'm sure it'll happen eventually. 

Tell me about some of the positive people you serve with or under?

 What about some of the negative?

-- I learn so much from the good leaders over me. I see how they conduct themselves. I see how they treat soldiers. I aspire to like them. I also have a friend here who is a chaplain. He's a very godly man and an outstanding soldier. It's been a blessing to be able to interact with him often. I also see bad leaders and I tell myself I'll never be like that when I'm in a leadership position. 

Do you have any favorite historical military person? What about them interests you?

-- Major Richard "Dick" Winters. He was a man of faith and incredible courage. 

In your experience, how are you generally treated by civilians?

-- For the most part I'd say we're treated well by civilians. The ones who treat us the best are the retired vets. I feel like they love to see and talk to soldiers. They are always kind and leave us with some kind of good advice. 

Any final thoughts you’d like to share? 

I absolutely love this army and this country. I'm so thankful I have the opportunity to serve with America's men and women in uniform . 

We salute you SPC Collett. Thank you for your service!