As a Data Platoon Commander, a Captain's billet by T/O, he quickly learned his MOS by becoming familiar with the concepts of data network planning, software and hardware application, and the installation and operation phases of data communications systems, network services, and equipment. He was educated in such matters on numerous occasions when his unit played in Wing, MEF, and Joint-level exercises, most notably Ulchi Focus Lens 07, Talon Vision 08, Wolmido Fury 08, Key Resolve 08, Foal Eagle 08, and Cobra Gold 08. Also as a platoon commander, he was the Responsible Officer for a CMR valued at over $5 million, to include $500,000 worth of CCI gear; he managed this account for over ten months without error, all the while improving accountability and maintenance measures for the equipment.
On many of the exercises mentioned above, Lieutenant Haack also acted as Syscon Watch Officer. Responsibilities included monitoring all ACE communication circuits including data networks, radio networks, and switched-voice networks, then acting as the focal point for conducting restoration efforts for these networks, systems, and links to ensure communications and systems availability. By executing these duties for Wing, MEF, and Joint-level exercises, he learned valuable lessons with regards to extensive communications architectures, which often times spanned across an entire country or peninsula, and the supervision needed to execute such plans. Complex logistical and operational preparations were also a heavy part of the planning process for all these exercises, familiarizing Lieutenant Haack with MSC movement timelines and criteria, TPFDD data, and extensive personnel and gear accountability.
His broad understanding of communications and operational concepts was tested and confirmed on two significant occasions. In November of 2007, after cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, he assisted in the development of a thorough communications support package for 3rd MEB's Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team with less than 12 hours notice. Then, from February to April 2008, Lieutenant Haack served as MWCS-18's Detachment OIC for MEF-level exercise Key Resolve, and the follow on Wing-level exercise, Foal Eagle.
During this six week period, he was responsible for all phases of planning, supervision, and execution of his detachment's deployment and retrograde from Okinawa to the Korean peninsula. With 35 Marines under his charge, at two different locations in country, he oversaw the communications support of two flying squadron's for these exercises, providing their Combat Operations Centers and Air Ground Support Operations Center with vital communications services to include secure and non-secure radio, voice-switching, and data services.In all these situations, he has demonstrated the ability to work in a high demand environment by consistently maintaining composure and confidence, which enable him to render sound judgments and decisions. As the current Alpha Company Operations Officer for MWCS-18, another Captain's billet by T/O, he is planning for a Group and a Wing-level exercise simultaneously, working closely with the G-6 and with S-6's from adjacent units for the exercise. Lieutenant Haack leads by example and motivation, emanates core values daily, is very mature, continually demonstrates superb physical conditioning, and would be an asset to any command.
*End of Statement
Please note that I wrote this about myself for the purposes of applying for a certain billet that would take me to a place commonly known as the Middle East. Hopefully it will all pan out.
I think it is also important to note that this professional biography of sorts makes me sound much more important than I actually am. Furthermore, it may make it seem like my intent in joining the Marine Corps was to become a very good communications officer. While I believe it is very important to be good at what I do, as that too bears testimony to my Faith (Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men."), my purpose must always be glorifying God through sharing my Faith with others and coming to know Him more. By His grace, I can say that has happened on numerous occasions in numerous circumstances throughout this past year. The morale of the story is it's all about Jesus.
So, what began as an autobiography where I bragged all about myself, has become an excellent way to reflect on my past year in Okinawa while keeping it all in the proper perspective. Where would I be without Jesus as the Lord of my life anyway? Actually, I can legitimately answer that question... I would be on my way to hell. But, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord... [for] there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 7:25-8:1). Amen.
