FORT HOOD, Texas – The 407th Army Field Support Brigade facilitated a logistics officer professional development session in support of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) open to all III Corps logistics officers across the installation at the Community Events and Bingo Center here April 16.
The event, which was part of the 13th SC(E)’s all-encompassing logistics leader development program, featured an overview of sustainment and logistics functions across Fort Hood as well as static displays and information briefings. The overall focus was to give an overview of the Army Materiel Command capabilities from the headquarters through its Life Cycle Management Commands, Army Sustainment Command, the 407th Army Field Support Brigade, Army Field Support Battalion-Hood, Brigade Logistics Support Teams and Logistics Readiness Center-Hood.
Col. Steven Allen, commander of the 407th AFSB, facilitated the event, which was intended to provide logistics officers an opportunity to see the strategic side of Army logistics that reaches to the tactical level daily. He and his staff had planned the event since January.
“A key take away for a junior officer is if they are seeking expertise on a specific weapon system, piece of Army equipment both trucks and communication, or aviation systems, or where to go in the Logistics Readiness Center on Fort Hood, know who your Logistics Support Team Chief is and they will assist you,” said Allen. “It is important for them to see, understand and interact with them and gain a look into potential future opportunities as a captain, major or lieutenant colonel.”
The day’s activities began with an opening briefing by Allen about the Army Materiel Command and continued with introductions on sustainment organizations across Fort Hood. On hand for the event were representatives from the Communication Electronics Command, Aviation and Missile Command, Joint Munitions Command and Logistics Readiness Center.
Allen stressed the importance for logisticians at all levels to remain aware of these organizations, because as the Army transitions from over a decade of war, Soldiers will pick up the bulk of sustainment functions previously performed by contract personnel.
According to Allen, “The transition from contractor performed activities that allowed Soldiers to focus on preparation for and deployment during the last 10 years to now doing those tasks inside their unit” is the biggest challenge facing logistics officers in today’s force.
“Some of those planning and technical skills in maintenance, supply and transportation had deteriorated, but over the last 15-18 months, we have started to turn the corner and really manage our limited resources (personnel, funding, and contracts) to train Soldiers in critical skills to maintain and account for equipment,” said Allen.