The 'Renegades' of 3rd platoon, 68th Transportation Company

Courtesy Photo | The entire Renegade Team posing for a photo before a deliberate combat logistics patrols in June 2008.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.23.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By 1st Lt. Brian Kinsella
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The 3-68th Transportation Detachment, 297th Inland Transfer Company, 398th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade is arguably one of the most unique small units in the United States Army. Headquartered out of Vicenza, Italy, the unit deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in March 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the last nine months the unit has been the Brigade's go-to team for strategic combat line-haul support.

One of the most fascinating aspects of 3-68 is that it is comprised of Soldiers from both Italy and its parent unit in Mannheim, Germany, the prestigious 28th Transportation Battalion. The Soldiers united in Grafenwöhr, Germany, for two training rotations prior to deploying. As a result, the Soldiers and non-commissioned officers had to quickly bond to form the cohesive team needed to seamlessly execute their combat mission. Due to the autonomous nature of the unit and its incredible level of esprit de corps, the Soldiers dubbed themselves the "Renegades." Under the supervision of 1st Lt. Brian Kinsella of Freehold, N.J., and Staff Sgt. Anthony Latham of Columbus, Miss., the Soldiers rapidly adapted to Iraq and their combat mission in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

To date, the 3-68th conducted over 150 successful deliberate combat logistics patrols, or DCLPs, without incident or accident. The unit traveled over 60,000 miles on some of the most dangerous roads in Baghdad. Recently, the detachment's mission changed so that they might better spearhead the Brigade's logistical needs. After demonstrating their diligence conducting DCLPs throughout Iraq, the unit began supporting tactical movements on Victory Base Complex. This mission is exceedingly demanding and the unit has already logged over 160 missions and well over 10,000 miles in little over a month. Staff Sgt. Gerald Rice of Bainbridge, N.Y., the unit's truck master, plays a critical role in managing these missions and acts as a conduit between different Battalions and the detachment.

Throughout the deployment, the 3-68th Transportation Detachment also worked hard to improve the motor pool they were assigned as a base of operations. In nine months, they vastly improved this archaic infrastructure by adding an office trailer, internet, power, a fully functioning maintenance tent, gravel, fence, and concrete barriers. These construction projects and contracts completed in the motor pool are truly representative of the pride the detachment has to make things better. When asked about the unit and its many achievements, Staff Sgt. William Langer of Buffalo, N.Y., one of the detachment's mission commanders and squad leaders stated, "The Renegades had to build everything we have from the ground up with only ourselves to lean on, so we take the greatest pride in our mission, what we've accomplished, and our Soldiers."

Equally astounding is the 3-68 maintenance team consisting of the motor sergeant, Staff Sgt. Alan Rivas of Houston, and three mechanics. The team works industriously to maintain and service over 50 pieces of equipment with only four Soldiers, an unheard of feat in the Ordnance community. Assuming control of "worn out" equipment, due to four rotations of heavy use, the maintenance section raised the operational readiness rate from 60% to well over 95%, while bench stocking over 250 lines of parts in the last nine months. Working with the operators and the command team, they completed significant vehicle upgrades to increase performance and safety. Upgrades include new generators, auxiliary light installations, full brake replacements and complete annual services on all assigned trailers. Recently, the unit worked to completely retrofit all of their M915 tractors with upgraded armor. This upgrade is paramount to the safety of the operators and durability of the equipment.

Since deploying, the unit moved to facilitate the high priority transportation needs of the Brigade. The 3-68th Trans. Det. prides itself on teamwork and a "lead from the front" attitude. All Soldiers, from the OIC and NCOIC, to the lowest ranking private conduct maintenance, upgrades, and missions. Accomplishing a mission equivalent to that of a full size company, this unit is the epitome of team work and is the quintessential Army logistics team.

Upon redeployment to Italy in the summer of 2009, 3-68th Trans. Det. will disband under USAREUR's force transformation, whereby assets will be realigned to fit the new operational climate of the United States Army. Sgt. Richard Negrete of San Antonio, Texas, reflects on his four years of service with the unit and comments on the end of military line-haul operations south of the Alps, "I'm just glad that I was privileged enough to be a member of such a unique organization. Sadly, future transporters will not be able to have this amazing experience."

• Date Taken: 12.23.2008
• Date Posted: 12.23.2008 13:03
• Story ID: 28055
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ