Story by Pfc. Brynn Stoll
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 396th Transportation Company, 110th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) get ready to re-deploy with less than a month left in their 12-month tour at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
The company is already planning for block leave. “I’m definitely taking block leave. I’ll be home to make up for lost time that I could have been spending with my new family in less than 60 days,” said Spc. Skyler Smith, wheeled vehicle mechanic, 396th TC, 110th CSSB, 224th SB, 13th ESC, and a native of Green River, Wyo.
Having soldiers fill out and sign leave paperwork affects morale in a positive way.
“The line platoons are getting off work a little earlier than usual when they get everything on the to-do list done. You can tell people are working together more as a team to keep the trucks up and complete daily tasks. We’re ready to go home,” said Spc. Megan McFaul, prescribed load list clerk, 396th TC, 110th CSSB, 224th SB, 13th ESC, and a native of Baltimore, Md.
The non-commissioned officers work to maintain the company standards for vehicle maintenance. Maintaining the standard is important, especially now, as the company prepares for the relief in place with the 15th Transportation Company from Fort Sill, Okla. this July.
“We want to make sure the vehicles are in the best condition possible for the Transfer of Authority. The 15th TC is a company full of experienced 88Ms (Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Operators) so an AIT (Advanced Individual Training) type of right seat ride shouldn’t be necessary. We want the 15th TC to feel welcome and confident in the equipment they will be signing for,” said Cpt. David O. Harlan, company commander, 396th TC, 110th CSSB, 224th SB, 13th ESC, and a native of Crawfordsville, Ind.
When not on mission, the 396th TC soldiers spend time in the motor pool maintaining the vehicles and making preparations to set the incoming unit up for success.