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HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), gave the Combat Logistics Battalion 2 pre-deployment site survey team (PDSS) a first-hand view of combat logistics support operations in Helmand Province April 9-16.
The PDSS team, consisting primarily of the CLB-2 command deck witnessed combat logistic support operations on Camp Leatherneck, as well as several forward operating bases in the area while participating in CLB-4 combat logistics patrols (CLPs).
CLB-2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, will use information gained during the site survey to help plan and train for the battalion’s upcoming deployment to the region, where they will assume responsibilities as the Regimental Combat Team 6 direct support battalion from CLB-4.
“(Pre-deployment site surveys) shape the way we train,” said Capt. Kimberley A. Ferris, company commander, Support Company, CLB-4. “The surveys give us a glimpse of what we will be doing and allow us to structure our training to the mission.”
The benefits of the site-survey on the training process are especially positive if the site-survey is completed with time left to adjust the training regime to match the realities on the ground, according to Capt. Donald L. Hotchkiss, company commander, Company A, CLB-4.
“Conducting the PDSS early in the work-up process gives the deploying unit more time to make adjustments and fine tune those changes during training evolutions,” said Hotchkiss. “The PDSS also allows you to tailor your force structure … to ensure there will be no loss in capability when your unit conducts the relief-in-place and transfer of authority.”
The site-survey also allows the incoming unit’s command to communicate to their Marines what to expect during the deployment both operationally and in terms of living environment, according to Ferris.
Observing the supply routes and visiting the forward deployed units on the tip of the counter-insurgency spear is one of the steps in the PDSS process.
“For a combat logistics company, having an idea and visual snap-shot of the patrol bases, (combat outposts), and (forward operating bases) that you will support in the future, along with the routes leading to those locations, provides invaluable insight to the challenges that the CLPs will face during the deployment,” said Hotchkiss. “Seeing these locations can also lead to discussions of … how to better support or improve upon the existing concept of support.”
The site-survey also provides key leaders from the incoming support battalion an opportunity to meet and discuss support operations with units.
“(Meeting) the leadership and planners of the units you will support during combat operations in the future sets the groundwork for success,” said Hotchkiss. “Battle space owners and their staffs are able to provide a much more thorough sight picture of current and future operations and how those missions affect the incoming unit.”
In addition to meeting commanders of supported units, the CLB-2 PDSS was able to coordinate with other MLG units to discuss the future of support operations, according to Chalkley.
“(The PDSS) came at a fortunate time and were able to witness emerging concepts in combat logistics supports,” said Chalkley. “A lot of adjacent support units in 1st MLG (Fwd) participated in the PDSS … to ensure the overall success of CLB-2.”
CLB-4 and CLB-2 took full advantage of the site-survey to ensure that there is a smooth transfer of combat logistic support responsibilities with no drop off in support capabilities, according to Chalkley.
“CLB-2 will have a challenging mission but they are well led and with what they have seen on the PDSS, I am absolutely confident they will carry out the mission,” said Chalkley.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2012 01:18 |
| Story ID: | 87351 |
| Location: | HELMAND, AF |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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