Lt. Col. Noel T. Nicolle, commander of the 1-41 Artillery Battalion stationed in Iraq, has a message for the folks back home: “You should be proud of what all your soldiers are doing in Iraq, especially the soldiers of the 1-41.”
Most of Nicolle’s artillerymen are tasked to train and assist the Iraqi police, though he has one battery of “Glory’s Guns” for fire missions when needed.
Nicolle said he and his soldiers live and work with members of the Iraqi police as teammates in transition teams as the Iraqis assume responsibility.
A measure of their success, he said, is that their areas are much safer than they were before. “Children play in the streets now,” he said, “and women are able to go to the market where they couldn’t before.”
“I am very proud to tell people that I work alongside the Iraqi police.” Nicolle said.
Nicolle is remembered by many soldiers and civilians alike as the Third Infantry Division’s rear detachment commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, La., and a master’s degree in history from Louisiana State University. He was commissioned in 1984 and entered active duty in the Army in 1986 following an educational delay to attend graduate school.
Nicolle’s service began with the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment in Hanau, Germany, from 1986-1989. Positions held include battalion ammunition officer, firing platoon leader, battery executive officer and battalion motor officer. During Operation Desert Storm, Nicolle served as the squadron fire support officer for 4th Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry, 3rd Armored Division.
Following Operation Desert Storm, Nicolle commanded Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment (MLRS) from 1993 to 1994.
Most of Nicolle’s artillerymen are tasked to train and assist the Iraqi police, though he has one battery of “Glory’s Guns” for fire missions when needed.
Nicolle said he and his soldiers live and work with members of the Iraqi police as teammates in transition teams as the Iraqis assume responsibility.
A measure of their success, he said, is that their areas are much safer than they were before. “Children play in the streets now,” he said, “and women are able to go to the market where they couldn’t before.”
“I am very proud to tell people that I work alongside the Iraqi police.” Nicolle said.
Nicolle is remembered by many soldiers and civilians alike as the Third Infantry Division’s rear detachment commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, La., and a master’s degree in history from Louisiana State University. He was commissioned in 1984 and entered active duty in the Army in 1986 following an educational delay to attend graduate school.
Nicolle’s service began with the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment in Hanau, Germany, from 1986-1989. Positions held include battalion ammunition officer, firing platoon leader, battery executive officer and battalion motor officer. During Operation Desert Storm, Nicolle served as the squadron fire support officer for 4th Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry, 3rd Armored Division.
Following Operation Desert Storm, Nicolle commanded Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment (MLRS) from 1993 to 1994.