Photo By Sgt. Zach Zuber | Winston Turner, a Field Service Representative for the Brigade Logistics Support Team...... read more read more
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DIYALA, Iraq — Among the many buildings on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, there is one that Soldiers may never enter. The technicians in this office function as an all-encompassing service group for Soldiers of 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
The Brigade Logistics Support Team is the final support line for any issue Soldiers are unable to fix through normal command channels. They are a group of logistical experts in fields such as weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and communications equipment that can provide outside expertise and a higher level of support when a difficulty arises.
“We have 14 personnel here who provide a direct liason between the brigade and Army Materiel Command to assist with any problems the Soldiers cannot fix through their own means,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel Lal, from Hilo, Hawaii, the BLST chief. “For example if a Soldier had a problem with their weapon, we could step in and ensure they get the part needed to fix it, and coordinate with the manufacturer to make sure no one else experiences the same issue.”
This is just one example of the many areas affected by the BLST during their daily duties. Each day, their representatives visit specific areas around the FOB to speak with the Soldiers they are supporting.
“I make rounds almost every day to check the status of amnesty boxes and the Ammunition Transfer Holding Point,” said Clinton Crownover, the Quality Assurance Specialist for Ammunition Surveillance. “I have to work with the guys out there to make sure that rounds turned in are inspected and either decommissioned or cleared for reintegration to the general stock.”
The Soldiers that interact with this dedicated group greet them with warm smiles and hearty handshakes, thankful for the support they can provide. Each representative focuses on the most troubling needs in their area of expertise, such as parts needed to get equipment off of the ‘dead line’ (a storage space for inoperable vehicles).
When the team here is unable to assist with the problem, they are able to quickly find someone who can.
“We fall under a larger brigade that supports all of Iraq. When our Soldiers need technical assistance, we can request design engineers or technicians to come in and fix the problem,” said Lal. “Whenever there is an issue anywhere, we have the access to the people or parts that can fix it. We are not here to do their [Soldiers’] jobs for them, but to provide the help they need after all their options are exhausted.”
Their support has had a significant impact, saving over $2 million in repair and parts costs during this deployment, said Lal. Along with support duties, the BLST is also responsible for the oversight of equipment during redeployments.
“We bring in teams specifically for assisting in the brigade’s reset,” said Lal. “We not only provide guidance in the deployed area but also support the units when they get home by managing the issue of all the equipment they will need to restart garrison operations.”
Though the majority of Soldiers may not know of the BLST, many of them have probably been affected in some way by their assistance. During the remainder of their time here, the Arrowhead Brigade can rely on these experts for excellent support.
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2010 03:46 |
| Story ID: | 52171 |
| Location: | DIYALA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 221 |
| Downloads: | 199 |
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