 |
 |
| Maj. Eric K. Little, the executive officer of the Springfield-based 232nd Corps Support Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, performs a radio check before departing on a convoy transporting fuel from Forward Operating Base Speicher to Forward Operating Base Mackenzie. |
|
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, Iraq -- Sometimes forgotten are the Army’s support units which keep Soldiers fed, weapons loaded and vehicles rolling. These units face the same dangers as infantrymen as they travel the roadways to ensure Soldiers have the necessary supplies to complete their missions. While it may be a difficult responsibility to keep the Army operating, Soldiers of the Springfield, Ill.-based 232nd Corps Support Battalion (CSB) are up for the task. The Illinois Army National Guard unit was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Dec. 7, 2003 to oversee logistical operations directly supporting the 1ting the 1st Infantry Division. The 232nd is a command and control coordination center for six subordinate companies that are specialized in meeting the region’s transportation and maintenance needs. “Customer satisfaction is the best part of our mission,” said Lt. Col. Mark Stapleton, commander of the 232nd. “All too many times, it’s forgotten how the beans and bullets get from “point A” to “point B” and that’s what our unit is doing in Iraq.” The CSB, stationed on this forward operating base, is a multi-functional battalion that handles all classes of supply including food, water, fuel, repair parts and major commodities that have to be moved. Requests for services are submitted to the 232nd and missions are delegated among the six subordinate companies, which encompass a mix of active duty, reservists, National Guardsmen and airmen. “We have to make all the coordination for each mission to make sure the customers get their equipment or repair services delivered in a timely manner,” said Maj. Natalie Northern, the support operations officer who oversees all logistical operations. “Our job is important because customers are always relying on us to complete the mission.” Many 232nd Soldiers were prepared long before being called to active duty following training exercises at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., in 2002. Soldiers were able to practice convoy operations and other procedures that they would perform in real-world situations. Stapleton said the unit’s tasks have been very demanding, and missions like moving the 1st Armored Division, which recently completed its tour of duty, out of Iraq can keep Soldiers in the field for weeks at a time.
Thus far, the units the CSB supports have logged nearly 1.5 million miles, distributed 3.8 million gallons of water and transported 4.1 million gallons of fuel since the start of operations in February. “There was a reliance on local nationals and Kellog, Brown & Root contractors to move supplies throughout theatre,” he said. “That didn’t happen as quickly as expected, so the responsibility fell back on the shoulders of the military and we have been able to meet that challenge.” In the coming months, the 232nd will also be responsible for operating a fuel bag farm that will store and distribute nearly 1.7 million gallons of fuel. The battalion’s sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Lester Edwards, said besides providing life support for the field Soldiers, the unit’s mission also impacts the Iraqi people. “Without our support for the Soldiers, they wouldn’t be able to do their job protecting the Iraqi people,” Edwards said. “That is what drives the most important part of our mission.” Northern compared the task of the CSB to the work of a train, where the 232nd is the engine leading the companies carrying the cargo from one place to another. Much like the attacks carried out during World War II, the main supply routes are a popular target of insurgents through the use of roadside bombs. Like veins in the body, if the supply route is cut off, parts of the “body” may starve or not be able to function. “It’s possible the whole theatre could shut down if units like ours didn’t complete our mission,” Northern said. “Many people don’t understand how essential logistics is to military operations.” Many Soldiers felt these effects in April, when roadways were closed to supply operations because of attacks, resulting in rationed meals and low water supplies at some military bases. Although many of the 232nd Soldiers remain at Forward Operating Base Speicher to work “behind-the-scenes” of convoy operations, they all know they impact the effectiveness of the Army’s mission. Pfc. Sara Minder, an administrative specialist on her first deployment directly out of basic and advanced individual training, said the operations section has the important responsibility of monitoring convoy activities. “The communication element is essential to the success of any convoy mission,” said the 19-year-old Minder. “It’s our job to track a convoy’s progress and distribute orders and information to our subordinate units regarding future missions.” The section also observes and reports enemy activity to ensure convoys can traverse the roads safely.
|
 |
| Staff Sgt. Derrick T. Pehlman, an intelligence analyst with the Springfield-based 232nd Corps Support Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard, programs radio frequencies into his High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle before returning from a fueling mission at Forward Operating Base Mackenzie. |
|
The personnel section has the important task of coordinating rest and recuperation leave and passes, processing awards and tracking medical evacuations and injured Soldiers. “Our most important task is to maintain accountability of the Soldiers and their locations,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Strong, the senior personnel noncommissioned officer. “Nearly 900 Soldiers fall under our command, which creates a challenge for us because people move about every day.” The Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment is tasked with ensuring the unit’s Soldiers have all the necessary life support requirements. They are also in charge of providing maintenance support for the unit’s vehicles, weapons and equipment. Staff Sgt. Ryan Little, the unit’s motor sergeant, said the work he does is important because it ensures that weapons are serviceable, vehicles run and the radios continue to operate. It can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience because they always encounter new problems and have to solve them. The logistics support section has the large task of supplying maintenance, billeting, laundry services and recreational activities for the entire battalion. The section is also responsible for processing requests from KBR. Master Sgt. Jack Cummings, the logistics noncommissioned officer in charge, said all of the internal logistical support his office provides to the battalion keeps his Soldiers busy, but they know the importance of monitoring accountability and loss of equipment as well as providing guidance and direction for the battalion’s maintenance. Addressing the spiritual needs of the battalion is 1st Lt. Daniel King, the unit’s chaplain. “He has done so much more than just brief Soldiers leaving for the U.S. and holding church services,” said Northern, who shares an office with King. “He’s also been there for the Soldiers who are facing troubling times. …” Edwards said the Soldiers’ motivation has played a key part in the unit’s success. “It’s hard to conceive what it is we ask these Soldiers to do every day, having them travel 500 miles up and down the roads, knowing there are people out there with the job to hurt our Soldiers,” Edwards said. “Still, the battalion has yet to turn down a mission and the Soldiers are not satisfied until the mission is complete.” Stapleton said he is impressed with the way all his Soldiers are performing. “Typically, you see older folks in a battalion headquarters but we have a good mix of Soldiers on this deployment,” Stapleton said, referring to Minder and 58-year-old Cummings. “I think its rewarding to see the enthusiasm and dedication the young Soldiers have brought to this unit.” He said it is gratifying to see the young Soldiers grow up in this environment and watch the experienced Soldiers bond and train their younger colleagues. “Hopefully they will take something away from this experience,” Stapleton said. “I won’t be surprised if their parents won’t recognize them when they come home because they’ve not only grown physically, but mentally.” (Story and photos by Spc. Aaron Ritter 232nd CSB) |
= 
= 
