4th STB assumes responsibility of new mission

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Angiene Hamilton | Construction work continues on Living Area 17 in preparation for service members that will enter Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, through the Convoy Support Center July 20. The soldiers of the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, assumed responsibility of the Convoy Support Center as base closure draws near. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angiene L. Myers)  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

07.31.2011

Story by Sgt. Angiene Hamilton 

4th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq — While most service members would already be settled into their mission as they neared the mid-point of a deployment, the soldiers of 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, are embarking on a new mission at the halfway mark of their deployment on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. “It’s an exciting time as we step away from all the base closure tasks that we had taken on as the Mayor Cell,” said Lt. Col. John Hickey, the commander of 4th STB, and an Alexandria, Va., native. “We’re posturing to become responsible for some of the human resources and finance units across Iraq, as well as the Convoy Support Center, a strategic hub for convoys departing Iraq.”

It’s such a crucial role and it’s something we are well suited to organize and really make that capability come to pass for Iraq, he said.

As the unit pushes forward, the battalion’s leadership said they are certain the right people are in place to take charge and get the mission done.

“The soldiers are ready for the task,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Coleman, the senior enlisted leader for 4th STB, and a Beaumont, Texas, native. “They are good at anything they’re asked to do. They are good at analyzing the mission, doing the preparation and getting soldiers and equipment prepared.”

With eyes on the road that lies ahead, there are no doubts that the soldiers in this battalion will accomplish their task as the base closure draws near.

“They selected the right unit to see to this mission,” said Coleman. “We weren’t postured to do the garrison command mission but we took command and did it well. The STB soldiers are very flexible and resilient. They answer the call when they are called on to do something.”

Coleman warns though that there will be some hard times ahead and soldiers will be subjected to some new experiences as they work towards a successful mission conclusion at the end of the year.

“Be prepared for a fast pace and some long hours,” he said. “You will be asked to do some things that you might not have been trained to do throughout your career, but will be asked to do it to accomplish the mission.”

• Date Taken: 07.31.2011
• Date Posted: 07.31.2011 06:34
• Story ID: 74568
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ