Army contracting increases the speed of logistics for coalition efforts

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Sgt. Jacobo Castro watches a palletized loading system with a forward repair system as it is unloaded from a trailer in Taji, Iraq, Sept. 23, 2015. The newly established ground line of communication makes it possible to deliver mission-essential equipment throughout Iraq to support Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. Items like the forward repair system are easier to move by ground than by air. (U.S. Army courtesy photo/Released)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

11.24.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. William Reinier    

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

SOUTHWEST ASIA – As coalition forces continue to improve the conditions that allow them to advise, assist, and build the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), U.S. Army contractors established a contract for a ground line of communication (GLOC) to increase the speed of logistics resupply to support these missions in a cost-effective manner.

The 731st Contracting Team, 900th Contracting Battalion recently opened a GLOC that allows material and equipment to move from Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve sites to the building partner capacity sites tasked with training ISF.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Schneider, the task force GLOC officer-in-charge, said even though it wasn’t easy, the GLOC will provide a critical asset to the theater.

“Establishing theater-wide sustainment operations in Iraq was a challenge given the current environmental landscape,” Schneider said.

The line haul services currently support ground movement throughout Southwest Asia. It supports equipment moves for the ISF and the coalition forces without the requirement of their presence in the movement, safely relocating crucial equipment to support the ISF and coalition.

“It took a lot of coordination and planning to make it happen,” Schneider said. “The team worked for three months to establish a reliable means of ground resupply using the GLOC.”

The GLOC will continue to provide movement of essential materials and equipment required in country, as well as offer a solution when transporting by air isn’t an option. It also gives the coalition additional means to support the ISF in their fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

“By getting more equipment to [the ISF] at the training sites, we’re preparing them for their future operations against Daesh,” said Capt. Christopher Noll, an operations officer with the 900th Contracting Battalion. “The fact that we’re saving money, while increasing efficiency, makes this a win for everyone.”

The cost savings of using this contract is estimated to be more than $4 million in the first 90 days, reducing the cost of movement by up to 60 percent.

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve is a coalition of more than 60 nations supporting Iraqi Security Forces operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

• Date Taken: 11.24.2015
• Date Posted: 11.25.2015 08:32
• Story ID: 182833
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)