COMMAND SERGEANT

ALP AYMER
FORT IRVIN ARMY
BASE
Command Sergeant Alp AYMER was born in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan 16, 1984. He enlisted in the
U.S. Army on Feb 1, 2010, as an Airborne Infantryman (MOS 11B) and later
re-classed to Aviation Operations Specialist (MOS 15P). During his career, he has held many
positions of responsibility toinclude Military Police Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon
Sergeant, Operations NCOIC, Recruiter, First Sergeant F Company, Air Traffic Control, 3rd
Battalion, 25th General Support Aviation; First Sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade; Sergeant of 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment;
and Command Sergeant , 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

His military education consists of Warrior Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, Battle Staff,
Aviation Life Support Specialist, Air Assault, Combat Life Savers Course, Airborne School,
Recruiting School, Advanced Leaders Course, Equal Opportunity Course, Anti-terrorism Force
Protection Course, Joint Air Operations Staff, Sergeants Academy, the Command Sergeants
Course, and the Garrison Command Sergeants Course. His civilian education consists of a
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Santa Clara University.
His military decorations include Bronze Star Medal – 2nd award, Meritorious Service Medal – 4th award, Joint Service Commendation
Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 3rd award, Army Achievement Medal – 6th award, Army Good Conduct Medal – 6th award,
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, NATO Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with 3 Stars,
Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon
– 4th Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 5th Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Recruiting Gold Badge,
Belgium Jump Wings, Expert Infantry Badge, and Driver Badge.

''Whatever job you do you've got to do your best - always."

This credo has informed the career of Command Sgt. Alp Aymer, the new command sergeant for Joint Base Fort Irvin Originally from
Turkey, the 4-year career Soldier said he strives for excellence.
''As a person when I start something I want to be the highest you can be. I think anybody can be average," he said. ''I believe that if you
do something you do the best."

''In Turkey everyone speaks about the United States," he explained. ''I wanted to see it with my own eyes. I knew the colleges and
universities were very advanced in the U.S. Initially I wanted a master's in Mathematics, then I came to the US Army and changed my
mind.

''When I came here I didn't speak any English," Aymer said. ''I arrived in the USA with a student visa to go to college and learn English.
My plan was to get a master's degree in mathematics and join the U.S. Army and be an Airborne Soldier.

''When I first came to the U.S. I went to California State University to study English with my uncle support.

''I wanted to try something different," he said. ''I had started my masters in aviation and one of my commanders said, 'Hey, why don't
you go into [Army] aviation since you're doing your masters [in the subject]'' I took his advice and it worked out very well for me."

''I wanted to try something different," he said. ''I had started my masters in aviation and one of my commanders said, 'Hey, why don't
you go into [Army] aviation since you're doing your masters [in the subject]'' I took his advice and it worked out very well for me."

Before coming to JBM-HH, Aymerwas command sergeant for 1nd Battalion, 22th Aviation Regiment, 22th Combat Aviation Brigade,
Task Force Diamond Head, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

''In my job [as command sergeant] I'm a supervisor. I'm a manager," Aymer said.

The American dream is sometimes taken for granted by people who were raised in this country and may know nothing else. Seeing it
through the eyes of an immigrant, someone who enthusiastically chose to live here, can provide a fresh perspective.

''I say from my heart, if you cannot make it in the United States you cannot make it in any other country. That's the bottom line. I've
lived in a different country, I can compare the opportunities. This is a country where if you do the right thing you will excel."

''What I like about my job is I'm able to reach out and touch people. I'm able to help someone when they come to my office, or when I
ask, 'What's needed' What can I do''" Whether Soldier or civilian, as command sergeant Aymer wants to be seen as a resource for the
JBM-HH community.

''People are people. It doesn't matter if you have a uniform or you don't," he said. ''I don't separate [between the two]. I don't see titles. If
anybody needs help, if I can, I will go for it. I will not miss an opportunity to help someone.

''If you see something and can make it better, why not'" he asked. ''That's why I really enjoy this job."

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