JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Many units throughout the Army have a shortage of unit supply specialist and often have to fill the slot with a soldier from a different job specialty with no experience, said David Pinley a member of the Property Accountability Augmentation Team.
To help with the demands of logistical support, units seek out the help of the Property Accountability Augmentation Team (PAAT).
The 11 person team is responsible for creating and maintaining property accountability records and supporting property book management functions. The team is designated to assist brigade and smaller elements for situations such as preparing for inspections and helping those who fail. It also provides support to deployed and deploying units.
A supply sergeant from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment knows firsthand how much the PAAT helps units.
“They are a very good asset to the unit, especially since most of our Soldiers are deployed,” said Sgt. Gregory Ray.
Theodore Holman has been on the PAAT for two years and working alongside Sgt. Ray for almost a month.
“I was once in the Army and understand the different dynamics that come along with being a Soldier,” said Holman, a native of Charlotte, N.C. “I’m glad to know that I can help Soldiers achieve the standards.”
Ray explained that before his unit deployed, most of the inventories were not up to standard and he would not have been able to get his property situated without the help of Holman.
The PAAT typically works with units for up to 90 days, depending on the severity of their situation.
“There is a set time frame and we try not to leave units until the mission is complete,” said Anthony Anderson, the team leader and program manager for the PAAT. “We don’t want to leave any job undone.”
Last year, the PAAT helped 16th Combat Aviation Brigade set up its supply system, as the unit relocated to JBLM with no supply personnel.
“We completed the task of setting up 16th CAB in nine days,” Anderson boasted.
Anderson speaks highly of his team and is very confident in it’s abilities to assist any unit regardless of the situation.
“There is no better team on this installation like the team that I have,” said Anderson, a native of Bronx, N.Y. “We plan on being here for a while and continuing to serve the installation.”
Units seeking the PAAT’s assistance can call 477-0464 or visit the office in Bldg. 2026 on N. Division St.