Hobbs reflects on journey from Missouri’s ADT III to ADT V

By Capt. Dale Mitchell, Missouri Agribusiness Development Team V
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

FOB FINLEY-SHIELDS, Afghanistan - Staff Sgt. Christopher Hobbs prepares to close the door on his Agribusiness Development Team chapter of life. He has deployed twice to Afghanistan with the team.

Hobbs, an airman with the Missouri Air National Guard, has heard the same infamous question over and over again. "You volunteered to come back to Afghanistan?"

Back in 2010, as a member of ADT III, he took careful consideration when they were asked to put their names in the hat for ADT V.

"Really, what did I have to lose turning back around and heading once again to Finley-Shields in the name of agribusiness?" Hobbs asked himself.

A simple reason for him coming back is his love to serve his country. The many jobs he has had as a U.S. Air Force Security Forces member has changed his whole worldly view.

"I mean what other 27 year old can list serving on presidential details; escorting detained terrorist to their new prison home via air; and serving as a base patrol office in Italy and other interesting destinations, as jobs they have held," he said. "Being raised on a farm in Missouri, I really couldn't list world travel as a hobby back when I was a 20 year old college student. Really, all I knew was life in rural Missouri."

Hobbs said the last seven years have been an amazing experience that he would not trade for anything.

"Although it has taken me a little longer than I had originally planned to obtain my undergraduate degree; the experiences I have had, surmount any perceived disadvantage to being without a degree," he said.

Hobbs' future goals lie in the realm of law enforcement. In this arena he feels that he has a distinct advantage especially with the skills he has been able to hone with service with a joint team such as the ADT.

Although the ADT Security Forces overall mission with convoy security has pretty routine responsibilities, every mission brings new challenges when boots are on ground tackling the mission. The ability to be flexible, remain calm regardless of circumstance, and communicate with the local population in a positive manner will pay dividends in his future career.

"I know the opportunities placed in front of me will continue to benefit me for years to come, and to think I am getting paid for what I love to do," he said. "So when asked why I chose to come back, it's a no brainer. Choosing to serve with the ADT has set me up for future success."

So for the past four years, Hobbs has been pretty much deployed full-time. He is ready to settle down and has already begun the arduous task of applying for jobs with several local police departments. The team is slated to return in late April and Hobbs will head to the police academy in May.

"As I look back on these two ADTs, I wouldn't change a thing in my experiences," he stated. "For those new ADTers, I would say take the time to enjoy your team members, and also learn as much as possible from your leadership. I have developed some long lasting friendships, work connections and have also stored numerous stories to shock and awe my attendants at the old folks home when I am that old Veteran enjoying my last bit of life on earth.

"If I could do it again would I write my name on that paper? Of course, it's been an experience that I am truly honored to have been a part of," he concluded.

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